New Airport Traffic Decree enters into force

After eighteen years, the new Airport Traffic Decree (LVB) for Schiphol entered into force on 1 November 2026. It is a significant moment for Schiphol, airlines and local residents, providing long-awaited clarity concerning noise, safety, emissions, runway use and the number of flights at the airport. After many years of uncertainty, the surrounding community and the aviation sector now know where they stand. 

Pieter van Oord, CEO of Schiphol, sees the new LVB as an important milestone: 'As an international hub, Schiphol is of great value to the Netherlands. And that's why we need clear rules regarding the airport. That is important for everyone: for the Netherlands, for the local community and for the airlines. After years of uncertainty, the LVB provides us with a legal foundation. A foundation on which we can build an airport that is future-proof and increasingly quiet, and that continues to fulfil its role for the Netherlands.' 

Legal foundation after years of uncertainty 

Among other things, the new LVB sets out agreements on the maximum number of flights Schiphol is permitted to operate; currently a maximum of 478,000 flight movements per year, of which a maximum of 27,000 at night. To ensure a good balance with the neighbours, there are fewer flights than before the coronavirus crisis. Back then, there were around 500,000 flights a year, of which approximately 32,000 at night. Secondly, the LVB contains clear rules on noise and the protection of local residents, covering a larger area than before. The enforcement thresholds in the area – the so-called noise limits – allow for annual variations in factors such as weather conditions and runway usage. This leeway cannot be used to accommodate more flights. The maximum remains at 478,000 flight movements, and the other LVB rules also continue to apply. Thirdly, it ensures clear and legally sound agreements on how Schiphol operates and how it is regulated. This restores clarity after years of uncertainty and provides a legal foundation on which we can build. 

Reducing noise nuisance 

Work has been underway on this comprehensive LVB since 2022, with close involvement from the local community, the aviation sector and public authorities. The LVB also includes targets to reduce noise nuisance, for example by 20 percent during the day and 15 percent at night. The Balanced Approach, introduced by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in 2024, is thus legally embedded in the LVB. The Balanced Approach consists of various measures designed to reduce noise nuisance. The proportion of quieter aircraft is increasing, for example, and noisier aircraft are subject to higher charges through differentiated airport charges. That has been a successful measure; more than 40 percent of aircraft at Schiphol now belong to the newest and quietest categories. In this way, we continue to work towards an airport that is in better balance with its surroundings.