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1/4 Activists on the square in front of Eindhoven Airport (photo: Imke van de Laar)
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Several dozen people protested at Eindhoven Airport on Saturday. They want less flying, in order to reduce pollution and nuisance from air traffic. The number of people with banners contrasted sharply with the number of people just getting on or off an airplane.
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Armed with banners, the activists stood on the square in front of Eindhoven Airport. ‘Save the earth’ and ‘flight is no longer possible, stop air traffic’ it read. One of the activists is Jonas Roothans, councilor in Eindhoven on behalf of the Party for the Animals. “We want to show people that there is criticism of aviation. We want much less flying in the Netherlands.”
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“Make flying more expensive and impose restrictions. Because we have to fly less.”
The action was not only in Eindhoven, but also at airports in Rotterdam, Maastricht, Lelystad and Groningen and at Schiphol. Several hundred activists made themselves heard at Schiphol. It was not that busy in Eindhoven: a few dozen demonstrators populated the square.
There were, however, many holidaymakers on their feet, who walked back and forth with trolleys. “Unfortunately, it is indeed mainly busy with passengers,” concludes Roothans. “I actually don’t blame them, given the low cost of a plane ticket. Our protest is not aimed at them either. But we do want to motivate people to make a different choice for their holiday. Our appeal is mainly aimed at the government. Make flying more expensive and impose restrictions, because we have to fly less.”
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“People need mobility. You can’t erase that anymore. But it has to be more sustainable.”
Eindhoven Airport had given permission in advance for the action. Spokesperson Judith de Roy explains: “We think it’s great that they give their opinion. But people need mobility. You can’t erase that anymore. So you don’t fly either. But it is clear that it has to be more sustainable. We are working on it. For example, we are making our buildings gas-free. And the new devices are becoming cleaner and quieter. The tax on tickets may also become a lot more expensive. The money from that increase could be used for sustainable kerosene.”
Five minutes after noon, a 10-minute silence was observed at all airports where action was taking place. Roothans: “I think this signal is powerful. We have a climate crisis. We find it unjustifiable that fun flights depart here while the world is on fire. As far as we are concerned, Eindhoven Airport can even be closed.”
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