Second Balanced Approach evaluation shows that Schiphol is becoming quieter
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has shared the second interim evaluation results of the Balanced Approach in a letter to Parliament. These preliminary results show that the measures implemented under the Balanced Approach are working. Schiphol is becoming measurably quieter, and noise disturbance around the airport is declining on several fronts. The night-time results are particularly striking, which is positive news for local residents.
In particular, the measure under which noisier aircraft pay comparatively higher airport charges than quieter aircraft has proven to be far more effective than the ministry originally estimated. One area that still requires attention is the target for the number of noise-affected homes close to the airport. The ministry and KLM are continuing to engage in constructive discussions on this topic.
The Balanced Approach consists of a combination of measures aimed at reducing noise nuisance. These include increasing the share of quieter aircraft and imposing higher charges on noisier aircraft through noise-differentiated airport charges. The latest evaluation results show that this tariff differentiation is having a much greater impact than originally thought. Approximately 40% of aircraft operating at Schiphol now belong to the newest and quietest generations.
Three of the four interim results are now exceeding the 15% target:
- 17% reduction in the number of severely affected local residents (target: 15%)
- 14% reduction in the number of homes within the 58 Lden contour (target: 15%)
- 29.8% reduction in the number of local residents experiencing sleep disturbance (target: 15%)
- 35% reduction in the number of homes within the 48 Lnight contour (target: 15%)
The final percentages are currently expected to be published in December of this year.