Cabinet approves two-year temporary nature permit for Schiphol Airport

The Council of Ministers has approved Schiphol Airport to operate for an additional two years without a nature permit. In June, the court in The Hague annulled the airport’s existing permit, ruling that it had not been adequately prepared or justified.

Following the annulment, Schiphol has effectively been without a valid nature permit since June. Under the Nature Conservation Act, this means the airport is technically not permitted to operate without a new permit. Caretaker State Secretary for Nature Jean Rummenie has now issued a temporary tolerance permit to the Airport. This gives Schiphol two years to obtain a restoration or new nature permit, he said after Friday’s Cabinet meeting. “I am taking Schiphol out of illegality,” Rummenie added.

Under the Nature Conservation Act, a permit is required for activities that could harm natural areas, including nitrogen deposition or disruption of protected species. The permit must show that any negative impacts on nearby Natura 2000 sites are either prevented or offset. In September 2023, the former Minister for Nature and Nitrogen issued a permit to Royal Schiphol Group, setting, among other conditions, a limit on the number of flights.

Rummenie emphasized that the airport is of “vital importance to the Dutch economy.” He said the decision gives Schiphol, nearby residents, and other stakeholders clarity. While the tolerance permit cannot be challenged through an appeal, enforcement proceedings can be initiated.

The case in June was initiated by several environmental organizations, the municipal council of Nieuwkoop in Zuid-Holland, and the Amsterdam city council. The government has since filed an appeal. Schiphol attempted to have its nature permit reinstated while awaiting the appeal, but the Council of State rejected this request in September.