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From its supervisory role, the ILT mainly looks at what developments mean for the safety of Schiphol and working at the airport. Every year, the ILT reports these findings in the State of Schiphol.

Schiphol is and will remain a safe airport, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) concludes in the new State of Schiphol 2022. However, there are points that require attention and action, such as ground handling, the consequences of staff shortages and the noise nuisance that experienced by local residents. The State was recently sent to the House of Representatives by Minister Harbers of Infrastructure and Water Management. 

In 2022, people will travel more after the recovery from the corona crisis. Also by plane. This has resulted in a large increase in the number of passengers and flight movements at Schiphol compared to the previous corona years. Schiphol is struggling with major staff shortages. As a result, waiting times are increasing, passengers miss their flight and there are disruptions in the entire flight process.

Findings

From its supervisory role, the ILT mainly looks at what these kinds of developments mean for the safety of Schiphol and working at the airport. And to the health and safety of people living near the airport. Every year, the ILT reports these findings in the State of Schiphol.

Schiphol adheres to all legal standards with regard to noise and the emission of harmful substances, according to the ILT. Nevertheless, the number of people living in the vicinity of Schiphol experiencing serious noise nuisance is increasing. And the air quality at and around Schiphol can also be improved. Other points of attention from the ILT concern the safety risks in ground handling, among other things. And there is an increase in the number of airspace violations. 

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More noise nuisance due to an increase in flight movements

The number of people experiencing serious noise nuisance from Schiphol is growing and the reports are increasing. The ILT makes every effort to combat aircraft noise nuisance. For example, after exceeding the limit values ​​for noise pollution in 2021, Schiphol had to submit and implement a plan to prevent exceedance in 2022. With success: the noise at Amsterdam Buitenveldert (enforcement point 20) did not again exceed the limit values ​​in 2022. Furthermore, Schiphol and the ILT managed to keep a noisy cargo plane away from Schiphol and Maastricht.

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In 2022, several companies at Schiphol faced major staff shortages, particularly in security. As a result, waiting times increased, passengers missed their flight and flight handling was disrupted.

Disruptions due to staff shortages

In 2022, several companies at Schiphol faced major staff shortages, particularly in security. As a result, waiting times increased, passengers missed their flight and flight handling was disrupted. Schiphol Airport has limited the number of passengers departing locally, which is why airlines have canceled flights or moved to regional airports. Inspections by the ILT showed that the safety of air traffic had not been endangered. However, the personnel situation did cause delays, less predictable runway use and extra burden for all parties involved.

Due to the staff shortages, it is therefore important to keep an eye on passenger rights. Compliance with rules for assistance to disabled persons (PRM) is not yet in order. Refunds in the event of flight cancellations have improved significantly compared to previous years. The number of disruptive passengers has not increased, but we do see a shift from disturbances during the flight to more unrest at the gate itself.

ILT fines violators of night flight slot rules

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In 2022, 500 flights landed during the night period without a valid reason. In those cases, the ILT issued a warning or imposed a fine. To limit noise nuisance, only aircraft with a night lock are allowed to take off or land between 23:00 and 7:00. Unless there is force majeure, such as unforeseen weather conditions. Afterwards it will be checked whether this was indeed force majeure. Since 2022, it has become much more difficult for airlines to claim force majeure. 

Implementation of joint security measures is lagging behind

In 2022, it will once again appear that safety management at individual aviation companies at Schiphol is in order. However, the ILT sees that the implementation of joint security measures (ISMS) is lagging behind. For example, important measures for the accident categories 'ground collision' and 'ground handling' have been postponed. This means that the risks in these areas will persist for longer. 

Airspace violations are persistent and risky

When an aircraft or drone enters Schiphol's air traffic area without permission, this constitutes an airspace violation. The number of airspace violations by aircraft is not declining, despite the efforts of various parties. The number of drones flying in Schiphol's air traffic area without permission is particularly alarming and can lead to dangerous situations. This is recognized by all parties and is also part of the Dutch Aviation Safety Action Plan, according to the ILT.

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