JetBlue Contests Restrictions on Amsterdam Schiphol Flights Amid Dutch Efforts to Curb Traffic, Emissions, and Noise

U.S. Department of Transport finds JetBlue and A4A's complaints against Dutch regulations aimed at limiting flights at Schiphol to 452,500 per year meritorious, causing further uncertainty for international airlines and potential increase in fares for transatlantic travelers.

• JetBlue is contesting the Airport Coordination Netherlands (ACNL) decision to deny it takeoff and landing rights for summer 2024 at Amsterdam Schiphol, one of Europe's largest hubs, as part of Dutch efforts to curb traffic, emissions, and noise.
• ACNL's new restrictions could significantly impact other airlines, including KLM, which will be required to cut their slots by 3.1 percent starting summer 2024.
• JetBlue filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) against the Netherlands and the European Union over the planned cuts at Schiphol, alleging they violate the U.S.-EU Air Transport Agreement.
• On November 3, the DOT found that the Dutch government’s restrictions constitute a violation of the U.S.-EU Agreement and concluded that approval of the complaints by JetBlue and Airlines for America (A4A, an industry group) is warranted.
• The Dutch government aims to cut flights at Schiphol to 452,500 per year to reduce noise and other pollution, which could see other airlines potentially lose hundreds of landing slots.

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