JetBlue files complaint in US against Amsterdam – Schiphol flight curbs

Airbus A321-271NX N4062J jetBlue AirwaysAirbus A321-271NX N4062J jetBlue Airways at London Heathrow | Jeroen Vogelaar

AMSTERDAM, Sept 29 (Reuters) – U.S. carrier JetBlue Airways said on Friday it had filed a complaint against the Netherlands and the European Union to the U.S. Department of Transportation over the Dutch government’s move to curb traffic at Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport.

The Dutch government earlier this month said it would move ahead with plans to cap the number of flights at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport next year to reduce noise, a decision that is fiercely opposed by flag carrier KLM and airline industry groups.

“This is not a fair or proportional outcome despite Dutch government assurances otherwise.”

Airlines that use Schiphol including Air France-KLM have sued to try to prevent the cap at one of Europe’s busiest airports. They say it will harm business and violate previous agreements.

JetBlue, which has been operating two daily flights between Amsterdam and the U.S. since August, said it had asked the U.S. government to take similar steps against Dutch carriers if no solution could be reached.

Photo Jeroen Vogelaar