Transavia Airlines CEO Marcel de Nooijer expressed concerns over a proposed night-flight ban at Amsterdam Schiphol, indicating that such a ban could potentially force the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines low-cost subsidiary to leave the Netherlands.
While De Nooijer stressed Transavia’s preference for keeping its home base at Schiphol, he noted that a night-time closure could make it unaffordable for the airline to operate there, as night flights play a crucial role in its revenue model.
Transavia currently holds 73pc of all night slots at Schiphol and operates primarily B737 aircraft, with plans for a fleet renewal transitioning to an all-Airbus fleet, including A320neo Family aircraft. The proposed night ban is seen as unnecessary due to these fleet renewal efforts.
Previous considerations have been made for Air France-KLM, Transavia Airlines, and Transavia France to potentially operate from bases elsewhere in Europe, with Schiphol being a crucial base. Adjustments have already been made to flight schedules in anticipation of the proposed curfew hours at Schiphol, with uncertainties arising from legal disputes and potential countermeasures affecting Dutch airlines.
