The KLM Group, Delta Air Lines and other airlines on Friday announced legal action against the Dutch government that plans to reduce flights at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to preserve the environment. “KLM Group, Delta Air Lines, Corendon, easyJet and TUI are taking interim measures against the Dutch government to ensure that the Netherlands remains connected to the rest of the world via Schiphol,” the companies said in a joint statement.
The Government wants to reduce the number of annual flights from 500,000 to 440,000 next year
The Hague announced in June a gradual reduction in flights to limit noise pollution and the impact on the environment around Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport, one of Europe’s largest hubs. The Government wants the number of flights to go from 500,000 to 460,000 as of November, and to 440,000 in 2024, an “incomprehensible” measure according to the airlines, “convinced” that they can reduce noise and CO2 emissions by maintaining the current number of flights flights
The decision, which is “unnecessary and detrimental” for The Hague, is also “contrary to national, European and international regulations,” the companies believe.
Iata denounces a “violation of EU law”
The International Air Transport Association (Iata) for its part also announced a similar summary action against the Dutch government in a press release on Friday. “The Netherlands is crippling its economy by destroying connectivity and doing so in violation of EU law and international obligations,” IATA executive director Willie Walsh was quoted as saying in the statement.
“The dangerous precedent created by this illegal approach left no choice but to [la] challenge in court,” he continued.
Source: BFM TV
