Brussels, Geneva – In light of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport’s decision to cap annual flights at 478,000, A4E, ERA and IATA emphasise that the European Commission’s recommendations must be followed, as they uphold the Balanced Approach to noise management and protect the integrity of the Single Market. The Commission’s previous decision reinforces that cutting flights should not be the goal—achieving meaningful noise reduction should be.
The aviation industry is actively advancing noise reduction through fleet modernisation, improved operational procedures and innovation, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable progress. However, the Dutch authorities’ decision to include noise reduction measures such as these in the baseline scenario presents a serious concern. Arbitrary capacity cuts will also undermine further investments in quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft.
Additionally, the six measures that have been presented by the Dutch authorities are targeted solely at commercial aviation, despite the noise emitted by general and business aviation being included in the baseline scenario. This exclusion is discriminatory and contradicts the principles of fair treatment and market access.
“Noise reduction must be the focus, not unnecessary flight reduction and restrictions that come at the expense of connectivity,” said Montserrat Barriga, Director General, ERA. “ERA advocates for a collaborative, evidence-based approach to address noise concerns, rather than unilateral capacity restrictions that disrupt connectivity and the Single Market.”
“The European Commission has carefully evaluated each proposed measure,” said Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines for Europe. “The Commission’s observations can’t simply be ignored. We stand by our members as they explore legal avenues to ensure that noise mitigation efforts are fair, effective and proportionate.”
“Contrary to the Dutch Government’s claims, the EU Commission’s assessment specifically states that the Dutch Government ‘did not fully follow’ the Balanced Approach at Schiphol,” said Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe. “Most fundamentally, the process cannot be driven by a predetermination that annual operations must be reduced to a certain level. The Minister’s failure to adhere to the prescribed procedure and misinterpretation of the EU Decision undermines the integrity of the BA process across the EU as a whole and the Netherlands’ legal obligations under air services agreements. A new BA is urgently required to rectify these findings prior to any implementation of flight reductions.”
Airlines for Europe (A4E) is Europe’s largest airline association. Based in Brussels, A4E works with policymakers to ensure aviation policy continues to connect Europeans with the world in a safe, competitive and sustainable manner. With a modern fleet of over 3,600 aircraft, A4E airlines carried over 718 million passengers in 2023 and served nearly 2,100 destinations. Each year, A4E members transport more than 5 million tons of vital goods and equipment to more than 360 destinations either by freighters or passenger aircraft. A4E is #Flyingforourfuture with our commitment to Europe and our call to action for incoming European policymakers. Find out more at Flyingforourfuture.eu
Founded in 1980, European Regions Airline Association (ERA) is a non-profit trade association representing more than 50 airlines and over 150 associate members involved in European air transport, and is the only association that bring together the entire spectrum of companies involved in European aviation. The association supports and defends the airline industry in providing safe, efficient and sustainable air connectivity to all regions of Europe. By lobbying European regulatory bodies on policy matters, ERA promotes and protects social responsibility, environmental sustainability and the development of regional economies and local communities.
IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 340 airlines comprising over 80% of global air traffic. You can follow IATA on X for announcements, policy positions, and other useful industry information.
Kevin Hiney, Communications Director
Becky Warburton, Corporate Communications Manager
Corporate Communications
Tel: +41 22 770 2967
Email: [email protected]
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