rssNov 12, 2026, 15:35

Amsterdam to appeal new Schiphol rules after all, PRO goes against its own alderman

The Amsterdam city council has voted to challenge new operational regulations for Schiphol Airport in court, acting against the recommendation of their own alderman. The council aims to push for a night flight ban and a reduction in total flight movements to better protect residents from noise pollution.

The Amsterdam city council has voted to initiate legal action against the new regulations for Schiphol Airport, contradicting the position of Alderman Sofyan Mbarki. A majority coalition, including PRO, the Party for the Animals, and D66, passed a motion requiring the city to join existing appeals against the new Airport Traffic Decree by December 8. The council aims to enforce a total night closure between 23.00 and 07.00 and reduce the total number of annual flight movements to 400,000.

Supporters of the motion argue that the current government-imposed limit of 478,000 flights is insufficient to protect residents from noise pollution. They contend that the new rules effectively legalize excessive noise levels rather than curbing them. Although Alderman Mbarki previously warned that legal action might not guarantee better outcomes and that the current framework at least provides a basis for enforcement, the council remains committed to pursuing a stricter policy. The move follows similar legal steps taken by other municipalities, such as Uithoorn, against the airport's new operational rules.

Politics Business Lifestyle Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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