The United States has come out in support of JetBlue Airways Corp.'s fight against expulsion from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, criticizing the Dutch government's decision as "unjustifiable and unreasonable." The Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved formal complaints filed by JetBlue and industry group Airlines for America, who argue that the Netherlands did not adhere to the required balanced approach when reducing flights at Schiphol, violating aviation market treaties and agreements.
With the DOT's approval, the first step towards potential retaliation has been taken. If negotiations fail to resolve the differences between the parties, the US may consider countermeasures. Talks involving the DOT, the Dutch government, and the European Commission have been scheduled for November 13th in an effort to find a resolution.
The decision made on November 2nd regarding slot reductions in Amsterdam resulted in JetBlue's expulsion from the airport. Despite having just started its operations to Schiphol in August, JetBlue is challenging the decision and has also requested that KLM, the Dutch airline, be evicted from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport in response. In light of this, the DOT has requested flight schedules from KLM, as well as Martinair and TUI, for services to the United States.
The DOT's statement indicates that they will hold off on making further decisions regarding potential countermeasures, including those proposed by JetBlue. However, it is clear that they are actively looking into the matter and are willing to take action to protect US carriers' access to international aviation markets. The outcome of the negotiations and the subsequent actions taken will have implications not only for JetBlue but also for the broader relationship between the US and the Netherlands in the aviation sector.