Environmental groups file request to halt Schiphol A-Pier construction

Mobilization for the Environment (MOB), SchipholWatch, and Greenpeace Netherlands are calling for construction on Schiphol’s new A-pier to be stopped, claiming the project lacks the necessary environmental permits. On Friday, the groups filed an enforcement request against the Royal Schiphol Group.

Schiphol’s project is intended to increase airport capacity. The A-pier, scheduled for completion in April 2027, will add seven new gates. The environmental groups argue that the expansion represents a substantial increase in capacity and therefore requires a valid environmental permit.

Earlier this year, a court revoked Schiphol’s nature permit, and the Council of State denied the airport’s request to suspend that decision. As a result, the organizations view the ongoing construction as illegal.

Johan Vollenbroek of MOB said, “It is unacceptable for Schiphol to expand while the Netherlands struggles with a nitrogen crisis and its natural areas are at risk. All farmers and builders must abide by the rules, and that includes a major polluter like Schiphol.”

The groups are demanding enforcement, a stop to the construction work, and that the pier not be opened without the proper permit.

According to a Schiphol spokesperson, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature (LVVN) is responsible for reviewing the enforcement request. “The A-pier will provide essential space to replace, update, and improve the sustainability of older airport facilities,” the spokesperson said. “It is not a direct expansion, but a vital measure to ensure operational continuity at Schiphol and a key step in greening the other piers.”