MPs from the right-wing Liberal VVD back increasing the number of flights to and from Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport beyond the current 500,000 maximum, broadcaster NOS said on Tuesday.

Speaking  ahead of a debate on the future of Dutch airports, VVD MP Remco Dijkstra said that calling a halt to flights is not an option. ‘That would damage our attractiveness as a place to do business, for the economy and will cost jobs,’ he is quoted as saying by NOS.

Lelystad airport is supposed to open to take charter flights from Schiphol but that plan has been delayed until 2020 because of the problems aircraft noise will cause to locals.

The VVD and VDA both want to see Lelystad in use as soon as possible but the other government parties – D66 and ChristenUnie – say they are concerned that airspace restrictions will make this impossible.

Meanwhile, people living close to the Netherlands’ six airports have formed a joint protest group LBBL to campaign for flight restrictions and a tax on kerosene.

They also want the government to make more effort to stimulate shorter train trips within Europe so that shorter flights can be scrapped.