Press Release on March 20th 2024 – Today, a historic verdict ruled that Schiphol Amsterdam airport has to reduce its flights to a maximum of 400,000 a year. Yesterday, another court ruled that the Dutch airline KLM has misled customers with its green claims. These victories against corporate polluters are a result of growing citizen’s campaigns in the Netherlands and beyond. Last week, hundreds of people in France protested for a cap on flights at airports.
Magdalena Heuwieser, spokesperson for the Stay Grounded network, says: “This win at Schiphol sets a precedent for airports globally. If we want to take resident’s health and the looming climate breakdown seriously, we have to cap flights at airports. It is an illusion to believe that new technology and fuel substitutes are the main answer to climate, air quality and noise problems. Yesterday’s ruling on KLM greenwashing is further proof that we cannot trust the industry’s sustainability claims. We have to build pressure for real climate solutions, and Schiphol shows that they are possible.”
Press Contact:
Magdalena Heuwieser, press@stay-grounded.org, +436703534311
We can also provide direct contacts to campaigners and activists in the Netherlands.
Notes for Editors:
- Stay Grounded is a network for 215 member initiatives around the world, including community groups surrounding airports, NGOs, and trade unions. The network campaigns for a fair reduction of aviation and for a just mobility system that works for all, now and in the future. https://stay-grounded.org
- Today’s Schiphol ruling: https://schipholwatch.nl/2024/03/20/schiphol-terug-naar-400-000-vluchten-zonder-balanced-approach/
- Yesterday’ KLM ruling: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/20/dutch-airline-klm-misled-customers-green-claims-court-rules
- Last week’s protests in France: https://reporterre.net/Aeroports-une-mobilisation-inedite-reclame-de-limiter-les-vols