A famous airport faces potential flight restrictions

The Dutch airport, Schiphol in Amsterdam, has been the subject of much discussion in media recently. It is anticipated that the number of flights could be reduced next year due to a shortage of air traffic controllers.

The Amsterdam airport perpetually makes the headlines in the Dutch media. The reasons are unfavorable.

An International Air Transport Association (IATA) congress took place earlier this week in the capital of the Netherlands. The head of the organization warned that the proposed restriction of air traffic at Schiphol could adversely impact relations with the United States. The American State Department anticipated repercussions if US airlines loses their slots at the Amsterdam airport. This could result in the Dutch airline, KLM, losing some of their slots at US airports.

The European Commission also weighed in, threatening the Netherlands with legal action. Eventually, the government temporarily withdrew from the concept of limiting air operations. This decision, however, provoked ire from airport residents who continually voice complaints about nuisances associated with air traffic. But the problems don't stop here.

When it seemed that the situation concerning the capital's airport in Amsterdam was stabilizing, a statement was issued by LVNL (Luchtverkeersleiding Nederland, the agency responsible for air traffic control in Dutch airspace). The agency's spokesperson communicated to the media that the abrupt alteration in governmental plans, regarding the decision to not reduce the number of flights at Schiphol, might not be feasible to implement.

LVNL has started to put the government's September resolution to decrease the number of flights from 500,000 to 460,000 into action. This includes, among other things, staff changes. The agency cautions that there might be a lack of controllers next year, which could ultimately result in a restriction on the number of air operations at Schiphol.