African airlines are bracing for significant disruptions due to a new rule from Schiphol Airport, which will limit the number of flights carriers can operate.
The regulation, approved by the Dutch government, aims to reduce noise and carbon emissions at Europe’s second-largest airport.
The decision has sparked threats of legal action and retaliation from carriers in the UAE and the US. Emirates CEO Tim Clark warned that the Dutch government could face domestic lawsuits.
Emirates currently operates two to three daily flights between Schiphol and Dubai. Clark also suggested that governments, such as the UAE, might impose reciprocal measures against KLM if foreign airlines are hindered.
Earlier this year, American carrier JetBlue faced the potential loss of its newly acquired take-off and landing slots at Schiphol due to the planned downsizing.
JetBlue lobbied the US government to threaten restrictions on KLM’s landing rights at American airports, delaying the implementation of the Dutch plan.
“There is nothing wrong with trying to reduce noise, air pollution, and emissions, but you need to be smart in how you do it,” Clark said in a recent aviation forum.
Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, which both operate daily flights to Amsterdam, are likely to be affected by the new proposal.
Kenya Airways runs nearly five daily flights to Amsterdam, some in partnership with SkyTeam members Air France and KLM.
gandae@businessdayafrica.org