Changes to Schiphol’s environmental plan

Schiphol aims to be an airport with happy travellers, airlines and employees, in balance with the local environment. Together with the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, we are working towards a new future, with the aim of creating an airport that benefits travellers, local residents and businesses in the region. This requires modifications to the environmental plan.

We are improving the quality of life in the transitional areas between the airport and the residential environment, so that future changes fit into the surroundings and have a positive impact on them. In this way, together with our neighbours, we are building an airport that is ready for the future. Good to know: this concerns the landside development of Schiphol and not topics such as aviation regulations, environmental standards or the number of flights. Those matters fall under the responsibility of the national government.

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One integrated plan

A future with prospects for all stakeholders. That is the foundation for developments at and around Schiphol. And that is why we are working on a Spatial Development Plan (SDP) and considering the future of specific sub-areas. At the end of 2025, we shared how we envision Schiphol Centre in the future. In the coming period, we will be putting our vision for areas such as the southeast and northwest of Schiphol (see map) on paper.

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Plans, plans, plans

Changing an environmental plan is a complex process. We have to deal with various interests, municipal and provincial plans, and the impact on our immediate surroundings. That’s why we go through various steps before the environmental plan can be modified.

Agreement in principle

Schiphol and the municipality of Haarlemmermeer are working towards a future-proof airport that adds value for travellers, the local community and the region. At the end of 2025, we signed an agreement in principle setting out objectives and arrangements regarding the planning process and the division of responsibilities for drawing up a local development plan.

Together, we are striving for:

  • a sustainable and future-proof airport;
  • more coherence between Schiphol and the immediate surroundings;
  • a healthier and safer living environment;
  • a favourable business environment;
  • good access to Schiphol and the surrounding area;
  • and good connections between Schiphol and other airports and destinations.

Read the agreement in principle

Statement of Principles

The municipality of Haarlemmermeer is currently drawing up a Statement of Principles. This document sets out the objectives, principles and requirements for the spatial development of Schiphol. This concerns matters for which the municipality itself is responsible. Examples include spatial plans at and around the airport, public order and safety on the ground, accessibility and infrastructure, integration into the landscape and the design of public spaces.

Spatial Development Plan

Based on this statement and our strategy, we are creating the Spatial Development Plan (SDP). This outlines our vision for the future, what we aim to achieve and what is spatially required for all this. In the SDP, we examine locations where the airport and the surrounding areas overlap. We aim to improve the living environment in these areas to ensure a pleasant local business climate, good accessibility and high-quality international connectivity. Together with the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment), the SDP forms the basis for the new environmental plan. As mentioned before, the SDP focuses solely on the so-called landside development of the airport. This includes, for example, spatial plans on and around Schiphol, safety, accessibility, green spaces and recreation.

Two municipal area visions

It is important to the municipality that not only Schiphol continues to develop, but that the areas surrounding the airport are also further strengthened. That is why it is developing two area visions for areas on the outskirts of Schiphol that lie partly within and partly outside the airport grounds. We are contributing to this by setting out the development we envisage for these airport areas and incorporating it into these visions. We are also including these in the SDP. This is being done in close consultation with the municipality and other stakeholders in the area.

Scope and Level of Detail Memorandum

Before the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is drawn up, the local authority will determine a Scope and Level of Detail Memorandum (SLDM). This sets out which developments and impacts will be examined in the EIA.

Environmental Impact Assessment

To demonstrate the environmental impacts of the developments in the SDP, we are drawing up an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This document outlines the studies that have been carried out, the impacts we anticipate and the measures we are taking to mitigate them.

Amending the environmental plan

The steps outlined above together form the basis for amending the environmental plan. This should ultimately provide a sound basis for future spatial interventions on and around the airport site.

Planning

The letter of intent was signed in 2025. In 2026, the council will work on the Statement of Principles, which is expected to be ready in early 2027. We will then begin drafting the Spatial Development Plan, the area visions, the Scope and Detail Memorandum and the EIA. The amended environmental plan is expected to be ready in early 2029. This schedule is subject to change.