Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands has become the first airport in the world to reduce the number of flights by 12% to reduce pollution and make the aviation industry more sustainable. The decision has been made by the government cabinet and informed of the House of Representatives via a letter signed by Mark Habers, the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management.
Minister Hubbers informed the House of Representatives of the Cabinet's decision to reduce the maximum number of aircraft allowed to travel to and from Schiphol Airport to 440,000 per year. The Minister also stressed that reducing the number of aircraft take-offs and landings will reduce noise pollution and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, (ultra)particulate matter and other harmful substances. However, he said he was aware that the decision would have a significant impact on the aviation sector and that the reduction in the number of flights would still take effect by the end of 2023.
The decision has been criticized by many, including Olivier Jankovec, general manager of the Council at International Airports International (ACI Europe), who said "Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is what makes the Netherlands bigger" and insisted that the government's decision to reduce capacity at the airport will inevitably make the Netherlands smaller. In the first week of the month, the Netherlands also limited the number of passengers who could fly from the airport each day to address the problem of long queues and flight cancellations. The decision will take effect by the end of July, but could be extended if current concerns about the influx of passengers at the airport are not addressed.
In a separate statement released on June 29, Schiphol authorities have asked passengers to carry as little baggage as possible and to show up at the airport at least four hours before flight departure to make it better for airport staff to disperse the crowds and to stimulate smooth movement around check-in counters and security controls.