Quiet Skies for Amsterdam, Netherlands Cracks Down on Noisy Night Flights at Schiphol

The Dutch government is taking action to curb noise pollution around Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, a major European hub. Their plan tackles the issue with a two-pronged approach: reducing the total number of night flights and banning the noisiest aircraft during nighttime hours. This move comes in response to concerns from residents impacted by aircraft noise, and a court ruling in March 2024 that compelled the government to address noise pollution more effectively.

The first step involves a decrease in night flights. The current annual total of 32,000-night flights will be brought down to 27,000 by 2025. This reduction aims to provide some relief to those living near the airport. Secondly, a ban on the most disruptive aircraft is being implemented. This targets older, louder planes like the Boeing 747-400, which will be prohibited from taking off or landing at Schiphol between 11 pm and 7 am. This time window coincides with peak sleep hours when noise disturbance is most impactful.

The Dutch government is further encouraging airlines to modernize their fleets by replacing older, noisier aircraft with quieter models. This initiative aims to achieve a long-term reduction in noise pollution. Looking ahead, a possible complete or partial night closure of Schiphol by November 2026 is under consideration. This more drastic measure has received backing from Schiphol's CEO, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for significant action.

The government and Schiphol are also working together to incentivize airlines. By increasing the costs associated with using noisy aircraft, they hope to nudge airlines towards adopting quieter planes, further accelerating the noise reduction efforts. These combined measures represent a significant shift for Schiphol, balancing the airport's role as a major transportation hub with the well-being of residents affected by noise pollution. The success of this plan will be closely monitored, with the potential for further adjustments in the pursuit of a quieter and healthier environment around the airport.