The Aviation Act lays down the terms of the operating licence of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. In addition, the Act regulates the manner in which Schiphol Group may determine the aviation charges, as well as the level of these charges.
The Aviation Act applies to aircraft, passenger and security charges. The Act also contains provisions limiting the return generated. This must not exceed the weighted average cost of capital.
The Netherlands competition authority (ACM, Autoriteit Consument & Markt) regulates the charges levied. If there is disagreement on these charges, the ACM will examine whether any complaints from the airlines are justified. If such complaints are upheld, we are obliged to set new charges.
An evaluation was made of the Aviation Act of 29 June 2006, and a new act has come into force as of 1 July 2017. In accordance with the new Aviation Act governing the operation of Schiphol, the charges will no longer be fixed annually, but every three years. This change has taken effect for the 2019-2021 period. Another change is the introduction of a mandatory contribution from non-aviation activities to aviation activities, the level of which is determined by Schiphol’s shareholders. Non-aviation activities at Schiphol are not subject to the economic regulations of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. This includes all activities in the areas of retail, food and beverage, media, real estate development and leases, and parking charges, as well as international activities.
A significant sustainability element is built into the new charges structure. Landing and take-off charges give preference to aircraft that are quieter and more environmentally friendly.