Summary
- JetBlue asks US DOT to restrict KLM flights into JFK due to Amsterdam’s plan to reduce flights, violating US-EU Air Transport Agreement.
- Reduction in flights at Amsterdam airport faces backlash from airlines and groups in the industry over concerns of economic impact.
- JetBlue opposes capacity reduction, fears losing slots, and requests DOT to ban KLM from JFK as a proportional response.
As first reported by Reuters, JetBlue says it has asked the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to restrict KLM flights into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. JetBlue believes that if Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) begins restricting the number of flights per year, the restriction would violate the US-EU Air Transport Agreement. JetBlue wants the US DOT to step in against the possible restrictions in Amsterdam by limiting flights to the US for the Dutch flag carrier, KLM.
Flight restrictions in Amsterdam
In early September, the Dutch government announced it would be reducing the amount of allowed flights at the Amsterdam airport. The controversial policy would limit the number of flights out of the airport to only 452,000 beginning in 2024, cutting yearly flights by almost 50,000 movements. The government believes the reduction would limit noise pollution and carbon emissions, as well as assist with airport overcapacity. The restrictions would also limit night flights (operations between 23:00 and 07:00) to 28,700 flights for the year. This was a drop from the 32,000 currently allowed. The policy would also limit the use of runways during specific times to limit noise pollution to nearby residents.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
However, several airlines and groups in the industry have disagreed with the decision. A legal dispute was brought in immediately and backed by many airlines, including KLM, Delta Air Lines, easyJet, and Tui Airways. Others who oppose the policy believe that it would have a negative impact on passenger and freight services and that it would directly affect the Dutch economy.
JetBlue stepping in
The New York-based airline disagreed with the capacity reduction in Amsterdam immediately. The airline filed a formal complaint to the DOT late last month, stating that it believes the restriction will prevent the carrier from operating year-round.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying
The airline just began flights in Amsterdam this year, when it acquired two slots after a long battle with the airport. JetBlue’s first service began operating from New York JFK. A second route was launched from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) on September 20. The Airbus A321LR operated both of these routes. Due to how recently it began servicing Amsterdam, JetBlue believes it would have a difficult time securing slots in the summer of 2024.
JetBlue released a statement about the policy, stating,
“Carriers with historics at Schiphol are facing a 4% reduction in capacity. New entrants such as JetBlue are facing a completely closed market and 100% expulsion from the market. This is not a fair or proportional outcome despite Dutch government assurances otherwise.”
The airline recently took it a step further than just filing a complaint with the DOT. In a letter to the DOT on October 20, JetBlue revealed that it asked the DOT to ban KLM from operating at JFK if the Dutch government continued with its plan to restrict flights at AMS. The airline also stated that the new restrictions would almost certainly cause JetBlue to lose its slot at the busy Dutch airport. The airline stated that banning KLM from JFK would be a “proportional countermeasure” to the proposed policy.
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Source: Reuters