Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Will Limit Flights to Combat Climate Change

Amsterdam's airport will become the first airport in the world to reduce the number of flights to tackle climate change. Starting in 2023, Schiphol Airport will reduce its total flights by 10% to help address the climate crisis.

Airplanes account for 2% of total CO2 emissions. A flight emits approximately 285 grams of CO2 per passenger for every kilometer traveled. To lower CO2 consumption, Schiphol Airport has decided to decrease the number of flights starting in 2023: it will be the first airport in the world to take this step to help the environment.

The Dutch airport, the third busiest airport in Europe after London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle, will cut up to 440,000 flights per year, approximately 12% less than the peak in 2019. Among the main benefits of this action will be improved quality of life in the surrounding areas of the airport.

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Another aspect to consider will be the benefits for the complicated situation experienced in recent months, which has caused immense queues, delays, and cancellations: reducing air traffic will lower the risk of overcrowding. Starting in November 2023, Schiphol will be the first airport to adopt sustainable policies by capping flights at 440,000. This decision is part of a series of initiatives aimed at protecting the environment, including Amsterdam's plan to become Car Free by 2030.

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