Dutch logistics group Evofenedex is hopeful that a new government motion regarding the distribution of slots at Schiphol Airport could help boost freighter operations at the airport.
The Dutch House of Representatives recently adopted a motion put forward during a Schiphol Committee debate that would actively monitor the redistribution of slots at Schiphol following a change in the way slots are distributed during the upcoming winter season.
“This is good news for companies that depend on air cargo, as it provides clearer insight into how the available capacity at Schiphol can be utilised,” Evofendex said.
The increased monitoring will allow an assessment of the extent to which the redistribution of slots leads to a more efficient use of available capacity and a stronger Dutch air cargo ecosystem.
Casper Roerade, air cargo policy advisor at Evofenedex, said: “This approach offers opportunities to create more room for cargo flights within Schiphol’s existing capacity
“This is important for companies that depend on air cargo for high-value exports. Moreover, a strong air cargo ecosystem contributes to the international competitiveness and innovation capacity of the Netherlands.”
Starting from the 2026 winter season, slot coordinator Airport Coordination Netherlands (ACNL) will adjust the allocation of returned slots.
Evofendex explained that until now, these slots often only became available when airlines cancelled flights during the season.
“As a result, there was hardly any capacity available for full freighters at the start of a season, when air cargo companies plan their operations,” it said. “This caused bottlenecks, particularly during the busy months of November and December.”
With the adjusted procedure, released slots are reallocated before the start of the season to ensure the allocation “aligns better with reality, where thousands of scheduled flights are cancelled annually”.
“This creates more room for cargo flights within the existing maximum number of aircraft movements,” Evofendex said, pointing out that similar systems already exist at major airports, such as Heathrow.
The debate around slots at Schiphol has become increasingly intense in recent years as regulators have sought to limit increases in the number of flights at the airport.
