Delta, Others Sue Dutch Government Over Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Flight Cap
March 03 2023 - 9:03AM
Dow Jones News
By Mauro Orru
Delta Air Lines Inc. and a host of other airlines are suing the
Dutch government over plans to cut the number of annual flights at
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, saying the decision is
"incomprehensible" as they had already invested billions to meet
targets on decarbonization.
KLM Group, part of Air France-KLM, easyJet PLC, TUI AG and
Corendon Airlines are also challenging a government decision to
reduce annual flights at the airport to 460,000 from 500,000 in
November this year, a move that is expected to reduce carbon
emission as well as noise pollution around the airport. Flights
will then be capped at 440,000 by November next year.
"We strongly object to capacity reductions at Schiphol Airport
and remain actively focused on investing in our fleet renewal and
modernization program as the most effective way forward to mitigate
noise and environmental concerns," Delta's Executive Vice President
of External Affairs Peter Carter said Friday.
A spokesman for the Dutch government said it is committed to
reducing the number of annual flights at Schiphol to 440,000 by
November 2024.
"The Dutch government intends to stop the practice of
anticipatory non-enforcement regarding flight operations at
Schiphol per November 1, 2023. By returning to the prevailing legal
system, there would be room for 460,000 flights. By enforcing the
prevailing legal system, we are restoring the legal position of
local residents," the spokesman said.
Schiphol Airport said in a statement posted Thursday on its
website that the 460,000 cap is a "necessary intermediate step"
before the 440,000 cap kicks in in November 2024.
KLM, which accounts for roughly 60% of traffic at the Dutch
airport, said that global industry trade group International Air
Transport Association would also be taking to the courts for
proceedings against the Dutch government.
"As the government appears not to hear our call, unfortunately
we find ourselves compelled to take legal action," KLM Chief
Executive Marjan Rintel said.
Write to Mauro Orru at mauro.orru@wsj.com; @MauroOrru94
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 03, 2023 08:48 ET (13:48 GMT)
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