Polderbaan Runway unavailable due to annual maintenance from 6 until 15 November
From Monday 6 until Wednesday 15 November, maintenance works are being carried out on the Polderbaan Runway. During this period of maintenance, the runway is not available for air traffic. Flights that normally take off from or land on the Polderbaan Runway are being directed to the other runways, such as the Zwanenburgbaan and Buitenveldertbaan during this period. Air traffic will make use of the Zwanenburgbaan Runway at night.
Annual maintenance is carried out on all the runways so that they remain in good condition. The Polderbaan Runway will be, if necessary, undergoing restorative works on the asphalt and markings. In addition, the cabling and electrics will be checked, the rainwater drainage system will be flushed out, the grass around the runway will be cut and the lights will be cleaned or repaired. Inspections revealed that the approach lighting (the lights pilots use to land) need to be replaced. As a result, the maintenance will take a day longer than planned. These works are being carried out in collaboration with construction company Heijmans. We expect air traffic to be able to use the Polderbaan again as of 19:00 on 15 November.
Polderbaan Runway until end December unavailable for landing at times of poor visibility
After the maintenance on the Polderbaan, the runway will remain unavailable for landing at times of poor visibility until the end of December. This is because Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) will be working on the landing system of the runway and then conducting test flights. After the maintenance works, international safety standards dictate that the landing system needs to be working well for 30 days before landings can take place when visibility is limited. Only after that period can the Polderbaan Runway be used again for landing in all visibility conditions.
During this period, the Zwanenburgbaan Runway may be deployed for landing day and night when there's a southerly wind and limited visibility. When visibility is good, the Polderbaan Runway can be used for landing.
The use of alternative runways
Normally, aircraft arriving at and departing from the Polderbaan runway would follow a northward direction. However, during the maintenance, air traffic will be directed to the Zwanenburgbaan and the Buitenveldertbaan runways. This means that there will be more aircraft flying over the areas beneath the flight paths of these runways during this maintenance period. For more information on the flight routes, please refer to this page.
Neighbours with questions
For more information or questions about air traffic and runway use during this period of works, Schiphol's neighbours can get in touch with the Local Community Contact Centre (BAS). The BAS website provides an overview of current runway use and operational details, and they are the point of contact for information and complaints about air traffic to, from and at Schiphol. BAS can be reached 7 days per week (09:00-17:00) on 020-6015555, or via their website.
Innformation about air traffic at Schiphol is published on the BAS and Schiphol websites every week. This gives local residents an insight into air traffic developments. People living in the area around Schiphol can also get a real-time insight into current and expected air traffic at their location thanks to the Notifly app. Schiphol keeps neighbours up to date on relevant developments regarding air traffic by way of a newsletter. Anyone can sign up for the neighbour newsletter.