Dutch airline KLM received a final warning for repeatedly violating overnight flight departure rules designed to minimize noise disturbances. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) announced that KLM could face penalties ranging from €10,000 to €100,000 for each future infraction.

KLM was accused of deviating from approved departure routes without instructions from air traffic control on three occasions within a year, with the most recent violation occurring in March. These deviations were not related to weather conditions, according to the ILT.

The ILT emphasized the importance of adhering to quieter night flight routes to protect residents near Schiphol Airport from sleep disturbances, which can harm health. Division leader Karin Visser stated that KLM unnecessarily caused additional noise by using daytime routes at night.

If KLM continues to violate these rules, it could face fines exceeding €100,000. Meanwhile, KLM announced plans to replace its Boeing 737 aircraft with quieter Airbus A321neo models for shorter flights as part of a €7 billion investment to make its fleet cleaner and quieter.