In the first half of 2024, Schiphol Airport largely complied with the established standards for the maximum number of flights, the emission of air pollutants and the safety of the environment.
This is evident from the Semi-annual Environment and External Safety Report of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT-Aviation Authority), which was recently presented to the House of Representatives by Minister Madlener of Infrastructure and Water Management. However, there are some worrying signs, especially in the area of noise pollution, where more than half of the permitted noise space has already been used at four enforcement points.
Although Schiphol remains within the set standards, the ILT Aviation Authority reports that the noise space at four enforcement points has already been used for more than 50%, while the year of use has not even ended. This is a worrying development, as noise pollution is one of the most common complaints from residents living near the airport. The enforcement points are specific locations around Schiphol where noise pollution is measured. If the permitted limits are exceeded at these points, this may lead to enforcement measures. The ILT Aviation Authority therefore warns that if policy remains unchanged, there is a good chance that these standards will still be exceeded by the end of the year.
rules
In addition to the threat of exceeding the noise standards, a number of violations have also been noted. In two cases, a fixed departure route for night flights was deviated from without a valid reason, which is contrary to the rules. These types of deviations can increase the noise pollution for local residents, especially during the night hours when the annoyance is experienced as extra disturbing. The ILT Aviation Authority responded immediately by sending the airline in question a warning letter, announcing a possible penalty if these violations occur again.
The ILT Aviation Authority takes its task of enforcing regulations very seriously. This is also evident from the actions against KLM and Turkish Airlines. KLM was previously fined for the unauthorized use of the auxiliary engine, an offense that is harmful to both the environment and local residents. When it turned out that KLM was once again not adhering to the rules, the ILT decided to collect the previously imposed penalty. Turkish Airlines was also imposed a penalty for a similar violation. These measures make it clear that the authorities strictly monitor compliance with the rules and do not hesitate to intervene when they are violated.
Under the leadership of Minister Madlener, the ILT Aviation Authority is already enforcing the New Standards and Enforcement System (NNHS) in anticipation of this, as described in the draft amendment to the Schiphol Airport Traffic Decree (LVB). This means that the aviation authority will check at the end of the year of use whether the enforcement points have been exceeded. If an exceedance is the result of flying according to the new NNHS rules, the ILT Aviation Authority cannot take enforcement action. This policy provides some flexibility, but also raises questions about the actual protection of local residents against noise pollution and other forms of nuisance.
enforcement system
A concrete example of the challenges posed by the new enforcement system can be found in Uithoorn. Over the operating year 2023, the ILT Aviation Authority noted that the noise limit value was exceeded by no less than 19,1% at enforcement point 25. Research showed that this exceedance was almost entirely (19%) due to flying in accordance with the NNHS. Because the exceedance was in line with the new enforcement system, the ILT was able to do so not enforcing performance. This raises concerns about the protection of local residents in areas such as Uithoorn and Aalsmeer, where noise pollution has increased significantly.
The Schiphol Airport Traffic Decree sets clear standards for noise pollution, the number of night flights, emissions of harmful substances and external safety. These rules are intended to limit the impact of the airport on the living environment. The ILT Aviation Authority ensures that Schiphol, Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) and the airlines adhere to these rules. However, recent developments show that there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that the quality of life for local residents is guaranteed, while Schiphol continues to develop in a changing aviation landscape.
