Air Cargo

Dutch Cargo Industry Pushes Back on Schiphol Slot Restrictions

Air Cargo Netherlands expressed opposition to the Dutch cabinet's final traffic decree for Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, citing insufficient protections for freight operations. The new regulation caps annual aircraft movements at 478,000, down from 500,000, with a maximum of 27,000 night flights between 23:00 and 07:00. The decree also introduces strict noise limits for combined takeoffs and landings. ACN warned the reduction directly threatens cargo carriers, noting that full freighters lose priority to passenger flights during slot shortages. The group stressed that the cargo market's volatile, demand-driven nature conflicts with rigid European 80/20 slot rules. This makes it difficult to maintain historical rights. ACN called for dedicated cargo slot protection and a rapid return to 500,000 movements as aircraft fleets modernize. The cabinet responded that European regulations prohibit a dedicated cargo pool but noted a new ad hoc allocation system implemented over summer allows cargo airlines access to returned slots more quickly than previous procedures.