This is evidenced by the letter of the US Department of Transport to The Hague, which De Telegraaf was able to obtain. According to the newspaper, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is required to postpone the reduction plans for the city of Schiphol.
Stunned Americans
It’s all about reducing the number of flights to and from Schiphol. Outgoing Minister Mark Harpers wants the number of flights at Schiphol to shrink from 500,000 to 460,000 in the next aviation year. He is supported by local airport residents who suffer from noise disturbance.
According to De Telegraaf, the Americans are also calling on members of the Senate and House of Representatives to “interpret this contraction as controversial.” According to the newspaper, the Americans were “surprised” by the judge’s approval of Harper’s plans. It appears that “the Dutch government does not adhere to the Aviation Treaty.”
Care at KLM
KLM CEO Marjane Rintel said she was concerned about criticism from Americans, especially if it meant KLM losing its rights in the United States. If Harper’s downsizing plans are implemented, she says, “countries such as the US, Canada, China and Brazil could restrict KLM’s access to their airports.”
“So KLM will be hurt twice,” she says, because the community is also directly affected by Schiphol’s downsized plans.
