Schiphol as a neighbour: Living near the airport
Having an international airport as a neighbour has its advantages, but at Schiphol we are fully aware that it can also cause problems. We work hard to make sure you can enjoy living and working near the airport; we do our best to limit inconvenience, ensure safety and keep a close eye on air quality. If you have any questions about how we do this, please contact the Local Community Contact Centre Schiphol (BAS).
Why does the airport cause noise nuisance?
As you know, aircraft engines make noise once they are started, and the closer you are to the source the louder the noise will be. This isn’t usually an issue for people who work with aeroplanes or passengers waiting to fly, but we understand that when you haven’t chosen to be confronted with this noise, it can be a problem. At Schiphol we consider aspects like weather conditions, we also think about the noise that different types of aircraft produce when we’re deciding which take-off and landing runways to use at various times during the day. Find out which runways are currently in use at Schiphol.
-
Is my house underneath a flight path?
Find out everything you need to know about the runways and routes the aircraft use.
![]()
-
Weather conditions
Storms, lightning, wind, hail and snow: the weather has a big impact on aeroplanes.
![]()
-
Paths and runway use
Which flight paths do aircraft follow to and from our runways?
![]()
How we limit noise nuisance
At Schiphol we encourage airlines to deploy quieter and cleaner aircraft. We consult with air traffic control to make sure we use the flight paths and runways that cause the least inconvenience, and we have partnered with the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) to develop innovative noise-reflecting ridges. We offer help to people who have suffered damage or who are living in unbearable situations through the Schiphol Quality of Life Foundation, and we support projects among our neighbours that contribute to improving liveability.
Cases
-
On our way towards less nuisance
Schiphol and Air Traffic Control the Netherlands committed to further reducing noise disturbance
-
Noise and runway use
Choosing take-off and landing runways and flight paths that cause the least disturbance.
-
Quieter aircraft
The newest aircraft cause less emissions and nuisance.
-
Living Environment Foundation
We understand that an airport is not always an ideal neighbour to have, unless you fly yourself.
-
Ultrafine Particles Action Plan
Schiphol has drawn up its own Ultrafine Particles Action Plan.
-
Nitrogen action plan
How is Schiphol reducing its nitrogen emissions?
Hot topics
-
Lelystad Airport
![]()
-
Environmental impact assessment
![]()
Visit bezoekbas.nl
If you live near the airport and have a question, comment or complaint about air traffic to, from or at Schiphol, please contact the Local Community Contact Centre Schiphol, known by its Dutch acronym: BAS. In cooperation with air traffic control (LVNL) and the Schiphol Local Community Council, BAS collects all the comments and complaints we receive and looks into what we might be able to do for you.