Utrecht demands review of fourth approach route to Schiphol

The province of Utrecht is urging the national government to reconsider plans for a fourth approach route to Schiphol Airport, citing concerns over increased noise pollution. In a letter to Minister Barry Madlener (Infrastructure and Water Management), Utrecht deputy Huib van Essen wrote that it is "not acceptable" for the additional flight path to cause more disruption for current and future residents. The letter has been signed by about 20 Utrecht municipalities.

Aircraft bound for Schiphol currently approach from three directions. The proposed fourth approach route, intended to improve airspace efficiency, would likely pass over the provinces of Utrecht, Gelderland, and Noord-Holland.

Utrecht stated in the letter that it supports the government’s goal of reducing noise pollution and implementing measures for communities near airports. However, the province emphasized that residents in areas farther from Schiphol must also be considered. "As a province, we are committed to a better living environment on the ground. We expect the national government to take responsibility for developments in the air," the letter states.

Stichting Stop4deroute is organizing a demonstration on Tuesday at 14:00 on the Anna van Buerenplein in Den Haag to protest the fourth approach route. Protesters also plan to attend a Tweede Kamer committee debate on aviation. According to the organization, the new approach route would expose 1.3 million people to increased noise from descending aircraft.

The province is calling for a comprehensive assessment of the airspace revision’s effects on Utrecht and has requested that the findings be sent to the Tweede Kamer. The letter also argues that discussions about the new airspace design should take into account the number of flights using the new routes. "The impact of a new airspace design cannot be separated from how intensively new routes will be used," the letter states.