The Dutch competition watchdog ACM has approved Schiphol Airport’s new fee package for airlines, stating they are “not unreasonable.” This decision follows complaints from airlines regarding the proposed fee increases.

Schiphol Airport announced last year that it would raise fees by an average of 37% over the next three years, citing the impact of high inflation and interest rates. The airport maintains that it does not profit from these charges and uses the revenue to maintain operations and improve service quality. A portion of the increase is intended to offset losses incurred during the coronavirus pandemic.

The ACM ruling also allows Schiphol to implement a system of differentiated fees, with lower charges for quieter aircraft and higher take-off and landing fees for noisier planes.

Last August, Schiphol announced plans to invest €6 million over the next five years to enhance passenger services, upgrade infrastructure, and improve working conditions for staff.

Despite these justifications, ten airlines and three lobby groups, including airline industry association Barin, filed complaints with the ACM, arguing that the fee increases would lead to higher ticket prices. KLM CEO Marjan Rintel expressed concern last year that Schiphol was weakening its position as an international hub due to rising costs.