US airline trade association Airlines for America (A4A) has announced its intention to pursue legal action against Amsterdam Schiphol Airport if it proceeds with proposed reductions in flight capacity. Schiphol Airport plans to cut over 4% of flight movements in an effort to address noise pollution. However, US airlines contend that the airport's approach does not align with the 'Balanced Approach' ethos.
In a letter to Dutch Infrastructure Minister Barry Madlener, reported by De Telegraaf, A4A stated that Schiphol's plan to reduce flights from 500,000 to 478,000 annually violates EU and international regulations. The cuts, anticipated to affect this year's winter schedule starting in October, require a final decision by May 8th due to scheduling constraints.
The Dutch government is soon expected to make a decision, a development that US airlines argue could cost them valuable slots. A4A highlighted Schiphol's failure to fully implement the EU-supported Balanced Approach, which seeks to reduce noise pollution while minimizing operational disruptions.