Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has proposed accepting around 460,000 flights in 2024, fewer than the airline industry demands but more than environmentalist and residents’ groups would like to see, according to a planning document seen by Reuters.
The number of flights at Schiphol, one of Europe‘s largest hubs, has been in doubt since the Dutch government in November was forced to scrap plans for a cap at 452,000 flights amid pressure from the airline industry, the United States and the European Union.
In a Royal Schiphol Group document seen by Reuters, the company said allowing 460,000 flights in 2024 was its “preferred scenario” and allowing more – up to 483,000 flights – would only be possible if airlines commit to altering schedules. But it said that would increase the risk of logistical breakdowns similar to those suffered in 2022.
The airport said in emailed remarks to Reuters that it was still discussing options with airlines, the Dutch customs department and the Netherlands’ air traffic control body.
“We are faced with a dilemma,” a spokesperson said. “We understand the desire of airlines to fly more than the 460,000 flights”. However, the airport faced operational challenges in 2023 carrying out around 435,000 flights, they said.
A spokesperson for KLM, the Dutch arm of Air France-KLM , said the company was preparing a response but could not comment until Schiphol’s formal declaration expected later this week. JetBlue had no immediate comment.
Earlier this year, JetBlue filed a complaint to the U.S. Department of Transportation over earlier plans by Schiphol’s slot coordinator to deny it landing spots for the summer of 2024. The outgoing Dutch government has said it continues to believe the airport will need to shrink in order to meet environmental goals and reduce noise pollution.
However, it was unclear whether that will continue to be policy after right-wing parties that favor growth at Schiphol made gains in the Nov. 22 national election. Before the pandemic, Schiphol handled up to 500,000 flights.
The carrier operates 39 weekly flights in Brazil, including 25 on Air France and 14 on KLM. That is fewer than the 44 weekly flights prior to the Covid-19 pandemic but more than the 32 last year. “We are confident about the potential of Brazil for 2024,” Manuel Flahault, France KLM’s general manager for South America.
