The Supreme Court in the Netherlands has upheld a ruling that a plan to cut slots at cargo hub Amsterdam Schiphol Airport was unlawful.
This decision follows the Dutch government’s “experimental regulation” to cut flight numbers at the airport from 500,000 per year to 452,500 that was proposed in 2022 to address noise and environmental pollution.
IATA, which along with some airlines, had mounted a legal challenge to the regulation, responded:
“We welcome this decision from the Supreme Court, affirming the original decision of the Amsterdam District Court that the unilateral cuts to flight numbers at Schiphol were unlawful, and overturning the Court of Appeal. There is an internationally-agreed means of managing airport noise – the Balanced Approach – which protects the national and regional benefits of air connectivity while helping to mitigate noise impacts for local residents. We expect the new Dutch government will respect today’s decision and proceed to apply the Balanced Approach, which is also enshrined in EU law and international treaties, with the utmost care with regards to Schiphol. Furthermore, we hope any other government thinking of disregarding the Balanced Approach will take note of this decision. It is a proven and successful process and should not be ignored,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.