Schiphol Airport ruling grants TLN right to join tariff discussions

A Dutch court has ruled that the Association on Air Transport (TLN) has the right to participate in legal proceedings and consultations regarding Schiphol Airport's tariff structures. This decision overturns a previous stance by the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), which had argued that only airlines themselves could be considered 'users' of the airport.

The dispute centers on a new tariff system scheduled for April 2025, which significantly increases costs for older, heavier, and night-operating aircraft. These changes disproportionately affect air freight operations. While the ruling does not yet address the substantive validity of the tariffs—a discussion set for November 2026—it grants TLN a formal seat at the table for future consultations, including those for 2027 tariffs.

Through the Dutch Express Association, TLN can now directly represent the interests of the logistics chain, addressing concerns regarding night flights, cargo capacity, and cost increases.