The Netherlands is taking significant steps to reduce noise pollution at one of Europe’s busiest airports, Schiphol. Infrastructure Minister Mark Harbers announced plans to ban the loudest night flights by 2025, aiming to create a quieter environment for residents living near the airport.
In a letter to parliament released on Friday, Harbers detailed that the number of night flights will decrease from 32,000 to 27,000 by 2025. Additionally, the government intends to prohibit the operation of the loudest aircraft, including models like the Boeing 747-400, between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. to minimize disturbance during nighttime hours.
This initiative follows a local court ruling in March, which mandated the government to take more aggressive actions against noise pollution. In response, Schiphol CEO endorsed the government’s proposal in local media last year, signaling strong support for the changes.
Beyond limiting night flights, the Dutch government is also exploring the possibility of a complete or partial closure of Schiphol starting November 2026. This plan aims to further reduce noise levels and encourage the aviation sector to transition to quieter aircraft. To incentivize this shift, Schiphol has agreed to increase the costs associated with using noisy aircraft, prompting airlines to invest in more sustainable and less disruptive technologies.
Last year, the Dutch government attempted to cap flights at around 450,000, which was 10 percent below 2019 levels, to achieve noise reduction goals. However, industry pressure and objections from the European Union led to an increase in the flight cap, with Schiphol announcing a capacity of 483,000 flights for the current year.
As the Netherlands moves forward with its noise reduction strategy, the focus remains on balancing the demands of a busy aviation hub with the quality of life for nearby communities. The planned measures reflect a growing commitment to sustainability and the well-being of residents, setting a precedent for other major airports facing similar challenges.
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Netherlands plans ban on loudest night flights at Schiphol airport
cgtn.com
