Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam has officially confirmed a reduction in
both commercial and private jet flight capacity starting in 2024,
following the release of its 2024 summer season capacity declaration.
This decision stems from the Dutch government's experimental
initiative aimed at curbing noise pollution, which is scheduled to take
effect from 31 March 2024.
The declaration specifies that the total number of flights permitted
at the Amsterdam hub will be reduced, with a maximum of 280,645 flights
allowed during the 2024 summer season, representing a decrease of
approximately 12,400 flights compared to the summer of 2023.
Furthermore, the total annual flight limit for both summer and winter
seasons will be capped at 460,000.
Additionally, there will be a reduction in available slots for
private jets, decreasing from 17,000 slots in 2023 to 12,000 in 2024.
This aligns with Schiphol Airport's previously announced intention to
ultimately ban all private jets by 2025. As part of its eight-point plan
released in April, the airport also proposed a night curfew, suggesting
no departures between midnight and 6am, as well as a prohibition on
arrivals between midnight and 5am.
Furthermore, the airport has imposed bans on 87 types of aircraft due
to noise constraints. While many of these aircraft types, such as the
Boeing 707 and 737-200, were already no longer operating from Schiphol,
their inclusion in the 2024 summer capacity document solidifies the ban.
In addition to capacity reductions and bans, Schiphol Airport has
introduced a new system of cumulative airport charges aimed at promoting
sustainable aviation. These charges began with a 9% levy in 2022,
increased to 12% in 2023, and will gradually rise to 37% by 2025. The
airport emphasised that airlines will incur significantly higher costs
when operating the noisiest and most polluting aircraft compared to
using quieter and cleaner aircraft, reflecting their commitment to
encouraging eco-friendly aviation practices.