Simple Flying - Vyte Klisauskaite
Following the decision from the Dutch government to reduce the capacity of Schiphol International Airport (AMS), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and global airlines are launching a legal challenge citing violations of EU regulations and international agreements.
The United States-based low-cost carrier JetBlue was among the first to step up. In February 2023, after it failed to obtain slots to fly into the Dutch capital city, the carrier asked the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to investigate “anti-competitive” and “discriminatory” measures that violated the US-EU “Open Skies” Air Transport Agreement.
But the most significant complaint comes from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the cornerstone airline of Schiphol. On March 3, 2023, the Dutch carrier announced it joined forces with Delta Air Lines, Corendon, easyJet, and TUI to bring legal action against the government. The airlines are protesting against an “incomprehensible” measure and are convinced of being able to reduce noise and CO2 emissions while maintaining the current number of flights.
