Dutch Aviation Manifesto: “Protect citizens from the health risks of aviation”
Safe Landing joined environmental and public health organisations in delivering a powerful message to the House of Representatives of the Netherlands (Tweede Kamer). Representing Safe Landing, our member Maxine de Vries took part in the handover of the Dutch Aviation Manifesto to Members of Parliament from the Infrastructure and Water Management Committee (IenW). Maxine also engaged with several MPs to discuss the significant impacts of aviation on local communities and aviation workers.
MPs were given a unique 4D audio experience to simulate the noise disturbances that people living near airports face daily, adding emotional weight to the facts presented in the manifesto.
Key points from the manifesto
The manifesto calls for stronger regulations to tackle the environmental and health impacts of aviation on both communities and workers. It highlights the need for effective air travel taxation that holds polluters accountable, while ensuring that workers’ rights are protected through improved wages, fair working conditions, and secure employment. It urges the government to enforce noise regulations and treat aviation like other industries when it comes to environmental responsibilities. Additionally, the manifesto stresses the importance of setting climate goals for aviation, such as introducing a CO2 cap per airport, and calls for greater national control over aviation policies to ensure that public health and the environment are prioritised over industry growth.
During the video interview (in Dutch), Maxine said: “At the moment, our greatest concern is the growth that the aviation industry is pursuing. We believe that, ultimately, this is not in the best interest of aviation professionals, even though the sector leads us to believe otherwise.”
Challenging the growth narrative in aviation
In the manifesto the long-held belief is challenged that business as usual growth leads to economic benefits and job creation. Safe Landing fully supports this effort to shift aviation policy to prioritise people’s health and the environment. We believe it is crucial for industry leaders and policymakers to recognise that unlimited growth in air travel is unsustainable, both for our planet, the communities living near airports and aviation workers.
Get Involved
Safe Landing is proud to be part of this important conversation and encourages further collaborations between aviation workers, environmental groups, and policymakers. We’re committed to advocating for the transition to a sustainable aviation sector that protects both communities and workers.
Do you want to help raise the voice of aviation workers? Join our international community by signing up here! If you are part of an organisation looking to involve Safe Landing members in your event or campaign, please get in touch to explore collaboration opportunities.