The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has concluded that the increase in charges at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is not unreasonable, thus allowing the adjustments that took effect on April 1, 2025, to remain in place. This decision comes after complaints from ten airlines and three representative organizations regarding the new charges and conditions.

Schiphol's average charges are set to rise by 41 percent in 2025, followed by a 7 percent increase in 2026, and a decrease of 12.5 percent in 2027, resulting in a total average increase of 33 percent over three years. ACM's assessment indicates that these increases align with the Dutch Aviation Act, which stipulates that airlines should cover the costs of airport usage with a limited profit margin for Schiphol.

The charge increases are attributed to various factors, including higher operational costs, employee growth, increased interest rates, and the need to recover losses incurred during the pandemic. Although Schiphol's charges are becoming more expensive compared to similar airports, ACM found that they are still in line with the charges of comparable airports in northwestern Europe when excluding pandemic-related losses.

In addition to the overall charge increase, Schiphol has implemented a charge differentiation strategy, lowering fees for quieter aircraft while raising them for noisier ones and nighttime flights. This approach aims to encourage airlines to use quieter aircraft to mitigate noise pollution around the airport. ACM supports this differentiation as it aligns with public interest goals outlined in the Dutch Aviation Act.

ACM also ruled that Schiphol can pass on insulation costs for homes affected by airport noise in its charges. However, ACM stated that Schiphol cannot independently impose a ban on certain noisy aircraft types until new legislation is enacted, which is expected to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Parties dissatisfied with ACM's decision have the option to appeal to the Dutch Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal (CBb).