The Dutch competition watchdog ACM has cleared the new package of fees that Schiphol airport is charging airlines, saying they are “not unreasonable”.

In addition, the airport authority can introduce lower fees for quieter aircraft and increase take-off and landing charges for noisier ones, the ACM said in a ruling.

The airport announced last year that it would raise fees by an average of 37% over the next three years, due to the impact of high inflation and interest rates.

Schiphol is not allowed to make a profit on airport charges and uses the income to keep the airport running and to improve quality. Part of the fee increase is intended to cover losses sustained during the coronavirus pandemic.

Schiphol said last August that it planned to spend €6 million over the next five years to improve services for passengers, upgrade infrastructure and enhance working conditions for staff.

Ten airlines and three lobby groups, including airline industry association Barin, lodged complaints with the ACM about the increase, arguing it will make plane tickets more expensive.

KLM chief executive Marjan Rintel said last year that Schiphol was weakening its position as an international hub by raising prices.