The Council of State has advised the Cabinet to clarify the basis for a future increase in the number of flights to and from Schiphol Airport to 500,000 per year. The senior advisory body also questioned whether the Cabinet is handling the planned growth with sufficient care.
The advice concerns new rules that are intended to reduce aircraft noise around Schiphol on paper. The Cabinet wants the measures to take effect on 1 November. Initially, the airport will be limited to 478,000 flights a year, but a phased return to 500,000 flights could be allowed later.
Under the proposal, aviation stakeholders would have to draw up a management plan if calculations show excessive aircraft noise in certain areas. The Council of State questioned what would happen if such a plan does not achieve the required results. It suggested keeping open the option of permitting fewer flights.
On paper
The maximum number of flights could increase partly automatically if calculations indicate lower noise levels around Schiphol. However, the Council of State said it must first be clear that the reduction in noise is certain.
The advisory body stressed that the issue is not only important for the aviation sector but also for residents who want clarity about future developments.
It also noted that noise calculation models do not provide a complete picture of how much disturbance residents actually experience. Critics argue that aircraft may appear quieter in the calculations while nuisance increases because more flights pass overhead.
Boost
The Council of State said the Cabinet could improve its plan in several areas, but it raised no fundamental objections. It therefore recommended addressing the concerns before making a final decision.
In more critical opinions, the Council of State can advise against deciding until objections are resolved or recommend abandoning a proposal altogether.
Infrastructure and Water Management Minister Vincent Karremans said the advice was “absolutely a boost”, given the criticism his Schiphol plans have faced.
“However, it does not mean that we have no more homework to do,” he said in a statement. He pledged to incorporate the Council of State’s comments “carefully”.
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