Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has declined to allocate slots to new entrants for the 2024 summer season, including JetBlue, the slot coordinator ACNL announced. Airlines with historic rights will also receive 3.1% fewer slots due to the Dutch government’s efforts to reduce flight numbers and curb noise. JetBlue had previously filed complaints against the Dutch government and the EU regarding these measures and threatened to take away KLM’s slots at New York JFK in retaliation. The Dutch government aims to reduce flights at Schiphol to 452,500 per year, leading to criticism from KLM and industry groups.
JetBlue’s attempt to secure slots at Schiphol for the 2024 summer season has been unsuccessful as new entrants were left without slots. The Dutch government’s goal to cut flight numbers and noise at the airport has led to a reduction in slots for airlines with historical rights as well.
JetBlue had previously voiced its concerns over these measures and filed complaints against the Dutch government and the EU. While the airline threatened to take away KLM’s slots at New York JFK in retaliation, it appears that this threat did not yield any immediate results.
The Dutch government’s plan to reduce flights at Schiphol to 452,500 per year, nearly 10% below 2019 levels, has faced opposition from flag carrier KLM and industry groups. The denied slots may impact JetBlue’s presence at Schiphol for the 2024 summer season, but the airline is likely to continue seeking access to the airport’s landing slots.
The situation at Schiphol highlights the challenges and controversies associated with airport slot allocations and the broader efforts to manage air traffic and noise in major international airports.
