In June 2022, Mark Rutte’s government announced it intended to reduce the number of flight movements (take-offs and landings) at Schiphol Airport from 500,000 to 440,000 by November 2024. 

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In September 2023, following the collapse of the fourth Rutte Cabinet, Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management, Mark Harbers, forced through measures to reduce flights to 460,000 from summer 2024.

 

Despite the courts, at both the national and European level, continually ruling Harbers’ plans illegal, he continued to push for shrinkage. As one of his last acts in office, Harbers sent a letter to Parliament proposing a raft of measures, including a blanket ban on certain types of aircraft, without any industry consultation.

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The move was universally criticised by airlines, trade unions, business groups, and aviation experts. Limiting the number of flights at Schiphol fails to address the underlying demand for travel. Flights will be diverted to other hub airports, like Paris Charles De Gaulle, and do nothing to reduce overall emissions.

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​We call on the government not to sacrifice economic growth for a small, but highly vocal minority. We demand common-sense solutions, not headline-grabbing publicity stunts. We urge ordinary citizens to join our campaign and show our politicians that Dutch people care about their airport and their economy.

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