Reasoning for slashing Schiphol flights still needs improving, Cabinet warned

The Cabinet has to improve their argument in defense of their plans for contraction at Schiphol, the Council of State has advised. The current proposal developed by Minister of Infrastructure Barry Madlener does not make it clear enough how the nearby resident’s fundamental rights are protected with this new number of flights.

The court previously ruled that Schiphol affects the personal privacy of local residents by causing such a nuisance. Madlener wants to reduce the number of flights to and from Schiphol to a maximum of 478,000 a year so that nearby residents experience less inconvenience from the airport. The minister must now make it clearer how the chosen number of flight movements no longer undermines this fundamental right.

Madlener has already watered down previous plans for contraction. The previous Cabinet wanted to limit the number of flights to 452,500.

The Council of State is the most important advisor to the Cabinet and is also the highest administrative judge. In this case, this is regarding an advice and not a legal verdict, the council emphasized.

The Ministry of Infrastructure has said that they will begin work today after the council’s comments so that Schiphol can implement the changes as quickly as possible.