Dutch Government Must Follow EU Rules to Limit Schiphol Flights, Supreme Court Rules

The Dutch Supreme Court ruled that the government must adhere to European procedures to reduce flights at Schiphol Airport. This decision, which overturns an earlier Amsterdam court judgment, provides clarity for airlines and travelers by ruling out uncertainties surrounding the proposed flight limit of 460,000 per year.

The Dutch government cannot unilaterally decide to reduce flights at Schiphol Airport and must follow a special procedure under European rules, the Dutch Supreme Court declared on Friday.

The court's decision is significant as it eliminates any uncertainty for airlines and travellers, who were concerned about previous plans to cap flights at 460,000 annually. The ruling overturns an Amsterdam court's decision that had permitted the Dutch State to impose two noise pollution reduction measures.

"The decision by the Amsterdam Court of Appeal allowing the Dutch State to implement noise reduction measures at Schiphol is invalid," the Supreme Court stated. "Based on European rules, a balanced approach procedure must be followed." KLM, Air France's Dutch arm, expressed agreement with the Supreme Court's well-founded ruling.

(With inputs from agencies.)