The age of cheap flights in the Netherlands may be nearing its end as Schiphol airport approaches its capacity of 500,000 aircraft movements a year, former environment minister Hans Alders has warned.

Speaking at the New Year reception for the Dutch airline association, the Labour party politician who now serves as chairman of Schiphol’s regional committee said there needed to be a better balance between the economy and sustainability.

Lelystad Airport, which is due to relieve Schiphol by taking over some holiday flights, is not yet ready for use and its opening may be delayed for a longer period due to parliamentary pressure.

Alders suggested Schiphol would have to be more selective about which flights would get landing rights, the Telegraaf reported. ‘Therefore cheap flights have had their day,’ he said.

Intercontinental links need to be given priority at Schiphol, Alders added, because they made the Netherlands attractive to international companies.