A Dutch court says the government is systematically putting the interests of the airline industry ahead of the interests of people living near Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The Dutch government has systematically prioritized the interests of the airline industry over the interests of people living near Schiphol Airport, one of Europe's busiest aviation hubs, a Dutch court ruled Wednesday. The court issued a judgment and stated that the treatment of local residents was as follows: Violation of the European Convention on Human Rights.
“The state has always prioritized the 'hub function' and the growth of Schiphol,” the Hague Regional Court said, ordering authorities to do more to curb noise pollution.
The court's decision was the latest development in a long-standing effort to curb noise pollution and nuisance caused by an airport outside Amsterdam. Late last year, the government shelved plans to curb flights after protests from countries including the United States and warnings that the measures could violate European law and aviation agreements.
“The judge's decision is clear: more attention must be paid to local residents and the reduction of noise pollution. That is already a commitment from the government and we will consider the judgment,” the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water said in a written statement. I mentioned it in the answer.
The National Institute of Public Health estimates that around 259,000 people in the Netherlands experience “significant nuisance” from aircraft flying over the densely populated country.
Wednesday's court ruling requires the government to properly enforce existing noise pollution laws and regulations within one year, and to ensure that “all people who experience significant inconvenience or sleep disturbance due to air traffic to and from Schiphol Airport “Provide practical and effective legal protection to the public.”
The group “The Right to Be Protected from Aircraft Nuisance'', which brought the lawsuit, welcomed the ruling.
“The court has ruled that the state has not properly considered interests. Economic interests have always been central, and local residents have been the lowest priority. That can no longer be tolerated,” the group said. and its lawyers added that they were “very pleased” with the decision.
Schiphol Airport said in a statement that it is working to reduce noise pollution.
“Like these locals, we also want to reduce the nuisance caused by aviation. At the same time, we want to ensure that the Netherlands remains connected to the world, but also a quieter, cleaner and better country. We hope to continue to do so,” the airport said in a written statement.
Some of the measures proposed by airports include closing at night and banning the noisiest planes.
“This will mean fewer people will suffer from noise pollution. In the short term, it is important in any case to have clear laws for both local residents and the aviation industry. That is also today's judge's verdict. ” Schiphol added.
