Schiphol's response to announced package of measures by Ministry of I&W

Schiphol attaches great importance to certainty and clarity for local residents, airlines, Schiphol as an organisation and our employees. An important step has been taken with this package of measures. The package consists of measures that achieve noise reduction for local residents and offers perspective for airlines, while leaving sufficient room for Schiphol's hub function. That is important for the connectivity and business climate of the Netherlands. We appreciate the cabinet's continuation of the European balanced approach procedure so soon after taking office. The aim of this procedure is to ensure a good balance between the interests of the local community, airlines and the hub function of Schiphol.

As stated in our 8-point plan, we consider noise reduction to be essential. Included in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management’s package of measures is a proposed measure to differentiate airport charges. Schiphol is already in discussions with airlines about this. Schiphol's commitment is to adjust airport charges so that airlines are more financially encouraged to fly quieter aircraft during the day and night. In our 8-point plan and in recent talks with the ministry we also advocated for a night curfew, as we believe this could be of great value to the local community. We also made a case to the ministry for moving holiday flights and private jets to Lelystad Airport. However, the ministry has decided to make neither proposal part of their package of measures at this time. We will keep doing everything within our power to reduce noise nuisance to the local environment.