Trend towards quieter aircraft at Schiphol continues
Since the introduction of new airport charges at Schiphol, airlines are increasingly opting to use quieter aircraft for flights to and from the airport. This effect was clearly visible in the first six months; the proportion of aircraft in the quietest categories rose from 23% last year to 33% in July to September. This development is accelerating the downward trend in aircraft noise in the area around Schiphol. This can be seen in the forecast for the new operating year starting on 1 November 2025.
The trend is clear; Schiphol is becoming quieter. We see that airlines are consciously choosing quieter aircraft, especially at night. That's a positive development. We remain committed to a quieter airport that is increasingly in balance with the local environment.
Further increase in quieter aircraft
Schiphol has been using airport charges to encourage airlines to use quieter aircraft for some time. The new charges, which have been in effect since 1 April 2025, make the use of quieter aircraft even more financially attractive. The quieter the aircraft, the relatively lower the tariffs the airlines pay to fly to and from Schiphol. Flying during the day is also cheaper than flying at night.
The new charges have led to increased use of the quietest aircraft. From April to June 2025, 30% of aircraft belonged to the two quietest tariff classes (S6, S7). In 2024, that figure was 23%. This trend continued in the following months; from July to September 2025, 33% of all aircraft movements at Schiphol were carried out with the quietest aircraft. This shows that airlines, encouraged by the further tightening of tariff differentiation, are increasingly opting for quieter aircraft, thereby contributing to a quieter Schiphol.
Forecast for 2026: decrease in aircraft noise to continue
The forecast published today for the 2026 operating year (1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026) confirms that the long-term trend of less aircraft noise around Schiphol is set to continue. The forecast shows a further decline in noise nuisance in the surrounding area. This development is being accelerated by the use of quieter aircraft and targeted measures, such as discouraging night flights. Schiphol remains actively committed to continuing this trend and is working with the aviation sector to create an airport that is more in balance with its surroundings.
Schiphol's annual usage forecast provides insight into the expected number of aircraft movements, runway usage and noise nuisance around the airport. In the 2026 operating year, Schiphol now expects a total of 476,800 aircraft movements, 25,200 of which will be at night.