KLM welcomes Amsterdam Schiphol cap increase

Dutch flag carrier KLM has welcomed the news that Amsterdam Schiphol will allow 483,000 flights next year. Last month, the airport scrapped its plans for a capacity cut and will instead focus on alternative strategies to minimize emissions and noise pollution. The Dutch airline said it was "pleased" with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport's (AMS) recent announcement that it will permit 483,000 flight movements over 2024, which will include 293,000 flights during the summer season (March 31 - October 26). However, the carrier will have a shorter than usual time to gear up for next summer's schedule, but promises to do its best to meet demand. KLM said, "Stable, predictable operations are vital for customers and employees, who understandably expect this from us. We now have scarcely three months to make the necessary arrangements instead of the usual six. KLM will obviously do everything possible to operate the number of flights it has been allocated." Although capacity cuts won't happen next year, airport chiefs are still considering such a move for the future. The proposal has met strong opposition from all corners of the industry - most recently, IATA chief Willie Walsh labeled the flight cap a "disgrace" and demanded its capacity be restored to 483,000 flights, which the airport has now done. AMS will consult on its winter season - due to run from October 27, 2024 to March 30, 2025) at a later date in 2024.<br/>