Dutch abandon Schiphol cap after US pressure over JetBlue slots
The Netherlands abandoned a plan to reduce capacity at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, bowing to pressure from the US, which threatened to retaliate over JetBlue Airways’ expulsion, and the EU. The Dutch government will no longer implement an experimental regulation which would have reduced the number of flights at Schiphol by 8% for the 2024 summer season, Infrastructure Minister Mark Harbers said in a letter sent to parliament on Tuesday. The government received a letter on Nov. 13 from the European Commissioner for transport expressing “serious concerns” about the Dutch government’s failure to follow a required so-called balanced approach procedure. The EU body said it “expressly reserves the right to start infringement proceedings against the Netherlands,” and urged the Dutch to ensure compliance with EU law. JetBlue was ejected from state-controlled Schiphol on Nov. 2 as part of a broad reduction in capacity meant to address concerns over noise levels. The US budget carrier, which started service to Amsterdam in August, was among the newcomers to completely lose access, while others, including KLM NV, saw their takeoff and landing rights cut back. The Dutch government has taken “a good first step” in suspending the plan for capacity cuts next summer, JetBlue said in a statement. “We continue to advocate for a long-term resolution that allows for new entrants and competitors in the market like JetBlue.” The Dutch arm of Air-France KLM said it is satisfied with the suspension of the experimental rule. “It is an important step to prevent retaliation and to continue flying to the US,” the airline said in an emailed statement. Its Paris-based parent said it shares the Dutch government’s concerns and is fully committed to reducing its environmental footprint. KLM, along with other airlines, took the Dutch government to court over the flight capacity restrictions and is currently awaiting the outcome of its appeal challenging the first stage of the cuts. As the results of the appeal are not expected before Q2 2024, the government decided to suspend the first stage of the restrictions, Harbers said in his parliament letter.<br/>
https://portal.staralliance.com/cms/news/hot-topics/2023-11-15/general/dutch-abandon-schiphol-cap-after-us-pressure-over-jetblue-slots
https://portal.staralliance.com/cms/logo.png
Dutch abandon Schiphol cap after US pressure over JetBlue slots
The Netherlands abandoned a plan to reduce capacity at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, bowing to pressure from the US, which threatened to retaliate over JetBlue Airways’ expulsion, and the EU. The Dutch government will no longer implement an experimental regulation which would have reduced the number of flights at Schiphol by 8% for the 2024 summer season, Infrastructure Minister Mark Harbers said in a letter sent to parliament on Tuesday. The government received a letter on Nov. 13 from the European Commissioner for transport expressing “serious concerns” about the Dutch government’s failure to follow a required so-called balanced approach procedure. The EU body said it “expressly reserves the right to start infringement proceedings against the Netherlands,” and urged the Dutch to ensure compliance with EU law. JetBlue was ejected from state-controlled Schiphol on Nov. 2 as part of a broad reduction in capacity meant to address concerns over noise levels. The US budget carrier, which started service to Amsterdam in August, was among the newcomers to completely lose access, while others, including KLM NV, saw their takeoff and landing rights cut back. The Dutch government has taken “a good first step” in suspending the plan for capacity cuts next summer, JetBlue said in a statement. “We continue to advocate for a long-term resolution that allows for new entrants and competitors in the market like JetBlue.” The Dutch arm of Air-France KLM said it is satisfied with the suspension of the experimental rule. “It is an important step to prevent retaliation and to continue flying to the US,” the airline said in an emailed statement. Its Paris-based parent said it shares the Dutch government’s concerns and is fully committed to reducing its environmental footprint. KLM, along with other airlines, took the Dutch government to court over the flight capacity restrictions and is currently awaiting the outcome of its appeal challenging the first stage of the cuts. As the results of the appeal are not expected before Q2 2024, the government decided to suspend the first stage of the restrictions, Harbers said in his parliament letter.<br/>
