Airport Security Apparently Overwhelmed at Schiphol

[Guest2]

Climate activists stop private jets from leaving Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport

 

Protest was part of a series of demonstrations leading up to Egypt climate talks

Thomson Reuters · Posted: Nov 05, 2022 1:51 PM ET | Last Updated: 2 hours ago

 

Climate activists protest against environmental pollution from aviation, at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, in Schiphol, Netherlands on Nov. 5, 2022. (Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters)

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Hundreds of environmental activists wearing white overalls stormed an area holding private jets at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport and stopped aircraft from leaving for hours by sitting in front of their wheels on Saturday.

Military police moved in and were seen taking dozens of the protesters away in buses. More than 100 activists were arrested, Dutch national broadcaster NOS reported.

The protest was part of a day of demonstrations in and around the air hub, organized by Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion in the build-up to the 27th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP27) climate talks in Egypt.

No delays to commercial flights were reported.

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"We want fewer flights, more trains and a ban on unnecessary short-haul flights and private jets," Greenpeace Netherlands campaign leader Dewi Zloch said.

Activists say airport is country's largest source of emissions

 

Police officers detain a climate activist during the Saturday protest, which was organized by environmental activism groups Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion. (Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters)

The environmental group says Schiphol is the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in the Netherlands, emitting 12 billion kilograms annually.

Hundreds of other demonstrators in and around the airport's main hall carried signs saying "Restrict Aviation" and "More Trains."

Responding to the protest, Schiphol said it aims to become an emissions-free airport by 2030 and supports targets for the aviation industry to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

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Military police tasked with airport security said in a statement they had "made a number of detentions of persons who were on airport property without being allowed."

The Dutch government announced plans in June for a cap on annual passengers at the airport at 440,000, around 11 per cent below 2019 levels, citing air pollution and climate concerns.

Transportation Minister Mark Harbers told parliament last month his office could not control growing private jet traffic, and the government is considering whether to include the issue in its climate policy.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practice

[Falken]

So how was Steven Guilbeault planning on getting there?  Not on a Canadian tax payer owned  plane I hope! 

[Kip Powick]

I bet those goofballs sitting under the C-130 would leave in a hurry if # 3 engine was started .

[Seeker]

1 hour ago, Kip Powick said:

I bet those goofballs sitting under the C-130 would leave in a hurry if # 3 engine was started .

Yeah, I like the headline too: Climate activists stop private jets from leaving Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport

Not many "private" c-130s and, unless I missed something they aren't jets!

[W5]

It was on the east side of Schiphol (Schiphol East) which is used for private operators, as well as the old Fokker factory.

Also some maintenance hangars on that side. That was the original site of the airport; on arrival you would see boats passing by above you.

[Maverick]

Interesting. The pic of the C-130J looks to be an RCAF aircraft. The Dutch don't operate the "J" model...

[Kip Powick]

31 minutes ago, Maverick said:

Interesting. The pic of the C-130J looks to be an RCAF aircraft. The Dutch don't operate the "J" model...

That is Number 6 of 17  RCAF "J" models that were purchased  over a decade ago.