The Dutch government has announced plans to reduce night flights at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and ban the loudest night flights by 2025 in a bid to reduce noise pollution.
In a letter to parliament on Friday, Infrastructure Minister Mark Harbers outlined measures that will limit traffic at one of Europe’s busiest hubs. The number of night flights will decrease from 32,000 to 27,000 in 2025. Additionally, the loudest aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-400, will be banned between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
This move follows a local court’s March ruling demanding the government take stronger action against noise pollution. Schiphol Airport, a vital connection point for global travelers, including those from Asia, may see changes affecting airlines and passengers worldwide.
Harbers also mentioned the government is considering a complete or partial night closure of Schiphol starting November 2026. This plan, previously endorsed by Schiphol’s CEO, aims to further mitigate noise disturbances for local residents.
To encourage the use of quieter planes, Schiphol will increase costs for operating noisy aircraft. The aviation sector is urged to replace part of its fleet with less noisy models.
Last year, the Dutch government attempted to cap flights at Schiphol to around 450,000 annually—a 10 percent reduction from 2019 levels—to limit noise. However, facing industry pressure and objections from the European Union, which suggested exploring other noise reduction methods first, the plan was adjusted. Schiphol announced capacity for 483,000 flights this year.
The changes at Schiphol may have ripple effects on international air travel, particularly affecting business professionals, tourists, and diaspora communities traveling between Asia and Europe.
As the Netherlands takes steps to balance its transportation needs with environmental concerns, global travelers and airlines will need to adapt to the evolving landscape of international air travel.
Reference(s):
Netherlands plans ban on loudest night flights at Schiphol airport
cgtn.com
