Schiphol wants to be able to comment on the appeal between the Dutch State and RBV (a foundation advocating for the right to protection against noise nuisance from air traffic). We have therefore requested a so-called 'intervention'. Here you can read exactly what that entails and why we are doing it.
In April, the judge gave their verdict in a case against the State that had been started by residents group RBV. According to the ruling, the former has not sufficiently protected the interests of residents living near Schiphol in recent years. The court ordered the State to, within 12 months, ensure that laws and regulations do take adequate account of the interests of local residents.
The cabinet at the time appealed the ruling. Schiphol is not a party to this case, but the outcome could have major consequences for our operations. For example, in determining the capacity of the number of flights we can handle and with which aircraft types. It is crucial that the outcome of the appeal is operationally feasible for us.
We would like to have the opportunity to explain our side of the story. That is why we have requested the court for a so-called ‘intervention’. This means that we participate in the case, but do not join one of the litigants. We are doing that intentionally.
However, it would still give us the opportunity to explain the conditions that we believe the ruling must meet to achieve clarity, certainty and practical feasibility for all concerned. In addition, we can directly answer factual questions about the airport during the proceedings and provide our own information that is relevant for the judge to make a decision.
We continue to attach great importance to certainty and clarity for local residents and airlines, as well as for Schiphol itself and our employees. We therefore fully support the goal of the targeted noise reduction that has been outlined by the new cabinet and believe it is crucial that the measures needed to achieve this are laid down in legislation. This includes the legal protection of local residents, which is something that must be properly regulated.