Commission adopts decision on Schiphol Airport noise reduction plan

Today, the Commission adopted a decision assessing the Netherlands' plan to introduce measures at Schiphol Airport reducing noise for local residents. This plan is a step to achieve the ambitious goal of the EU's Zero Pollution Action Plan, which aims to reduce by 30% the number of people suffering from chronic transport noise by 2030.

The Dutch Noise Action Plan 2024 – 2029 for Schiphol Airport, has set the goal to reduce by 20% the number of people and houses exposed to aircraft noise around the airport. 

The measures include reducing the annual limit number of flights from 500,000 to 478,000, and reducing the number of nighttime flights from 32,000 to 27,000. 

Following the Balanced Approach process, the Commission assessed whether the measures are cost-effective, non-discriminatory, and proportionate. While the Dutch authorities have largely followed the correct procedure, the Commission identified some shortcomings. Notably, the plan only addresses commercial aviation, exempting general aviation and business aviation from the measures, despite their contribution to noise.

Furthermore, the Commission found that the Netherlands has only partially considered the potential of fleet renewal to reduce aircraft noise. The plan excludes the effect of fleet renewal which the aviation industry will naturally proceed with based on current trends. The Netherlands did not provide sufficient evidence to support this approach or explain how it applies to Schiphol Airport specifically.

Additionally, the Netherlands has not fully explored the potential of noise-reducing flight procedures, such as innovative landing and navigation techniques. 

The Dutch authorities are now invited to examine the Commission’s decision and inform on their next steps before introducing the measures.

For More Information