The Dutch government actually wanted to reduce capacity at Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport from next year. The arguments were based on noise and environmental protection. Now the project is being abandoned – at least for the time being. 

The fact that Jetblue, KLM and other carriers put up considerable resistance may also have contributed to this. In the United States, the Dutch carrier even threatened to lose around 1.000 take-off and landing rights, because American carriers would have flown fewer flights in Amsterdam-Schiphol by roughly the same amount. In the USA, the Dutch government's plan is seen as a possible violation of international air transport agreements. 

The persistence of various airlines, especially Jetblue, may have paid off. The EU Commission intervened and informed the Dutch government that there could be possible violations of the air transport agreement between the EU and the USA. There was even a threat of EU infringement proceedings. 

At least for the time being, the Dutch are now dropping the capacity restrictions. This is met with criticism and incomprehension by residents and so-called environmentalists. Whether Jetblue will receive the coveted slots or not is still an open question. The regulator must grant the take-off and landing rights that are now available again. It is expected that this step will follow in the next few days.