Since the introduction of new airport charges at Schiphol, airlines are increasingly opting to use quieter aircraft for flights to and from the airport. This effect was clearly visible in the first half of 2025; the proportion of aircraft in the quietest categories rose from 23% last year to 33% in July to September. This development is accelerating the downward trend in aircraft noise in the area around Schiphol. This can be seen in the forecast for the new operating year starting on 1 November 2025.
“The trend is clear; Schiphol is becoming quieter. We see that airlines are consciously choosing quieter aircraft, especially at night. That's a positive development. We remain committed to a quieter airport that is increasingly in balance with the local environment.”
Pieter van Oord, CEO of Royal Schiphol Group
Further increase in quieter aircraft
Schiphol has been using airport charges to encourage airlines to use quieter aircraft for some time. The new charges, which have been in effect since 1 April 2025, make the use of quieter aircraft even more financially attractive. The quieter the aircraft, the relatively lower the tariffs the airlines pay to fly to and from Schiphol. Flying during the day is also cheaper than flying at night.
The new charges have led to increased use of the quietest aircraft. From April to June 2025, 30% of aircraft belonged to the two quietest tariff classes (S6, S7). In 2024, that figure was 23%. This trend continued in the following months; from July to September 2025, 33% of all aircraft movements at Schiphol were carried out with the quietest aircraft. This shows that airlines, encouraged by the further tightening of tariff differentiation, are increasingly opting for quieter aircraft, thereby contributing to a quieter Schiphol. / (....)