The Dutch Supreme Court has overturned a government decision to cap flights at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport at 478,000 per year, ruling that the measure was not properly justified. The court found that the cap, introduced in 2024 to reduce noise pollution, failed to account for differences in aircraft noise levels, making it inappropriate.
The government acknowledged the ruling, stating that new regulations are needed to strengthen the legal basis of air-traffic policies. Airlines had appealed the cap, arguing it was too restrictive, while climate activists and local residents had pushed for even stricter limits.
The court upheld a reduction in nighttime flights, as no parties contested that part of the decision. Schiphol, one of Europe's busiest airports, handled 66.8 million passengers in 2024, more than three times the population of the Netherlands.
Separately, Schiphol has announced a €10bn (£8.7bn) renovation project to be carried out over the next decade. Plans include a new south terminal, upgrades to existing piers, and expanded facilities for larger aircraft. Pier A is set to open by 2027, followed by renovations to piers B, C, D, and H/M.
The airport's master plan, outlining its vision for 2050, cites inadequate terminal size and the need for modernisation. Improvements will also cover catering, shops, seating areas, and lounges, alongside upgrades to roads and public transport, including a new metro line connecting Amsterdam, Schiphol, and Hoofddorp.
