NETHERLANDS: The Dutch government has systematically put the interests of the aviation sector above those of people who live near Schiphol airport, one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs, a Dutch court ruled today.

The court said the treatment of local residents amounts to a breach of Europe’s human rights convention.

“The state has always prioritised the ‘hub function’ and the growth of Schiphol,” the Hague District Court said as it ordered authorities to do more to rein in noise pollution.