A look ahead at air traffic
A look ahead at air traffic 20 - 26 May 2024
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1,365 flights per day expected (average)
In the week of 20 – 26 May 2024, we expect an average of 1,365 daily flights at Schiphol. Until the end of June, we see a slight increase to an average of 1,375 flights per day.
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11 peak moments per day expected
Take-off: 07:00-07:40, 09:20-11:00, 11:40-13:00, 14:00-15:20, 16:20-17:40 and 20:40-22:10 Landing: 07:40-09:20, 11:00-11:40, 13:00-14:00, 15:20-16:20 and 18:20-20:00
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Buitenveldertbaan Runway under maintenance
Buitenveldertbaan will be undergoing maintenance until 29 May. Departing flights will use the Kaagbaan, landing flights will use Schiphol-Oostbaan in situations where Buitenveldertbaan would normally be deployed. Buitenveldertbaan will be available 20 May.
Runway use at Schiphol
Schiphol has six runways: Kaagbaan, Polderbaan, Aalsmeerbaan, Zwanenburgbaan, Buitenveldertbaan and Schiphol-Oostbaan. Which runways we use depends on the availability of the runways, the wind and weather conditions and the environmental regulations for runway use. In principle, two runways are always in use: one for departing and one for arriving aircraft. At peak moments, a second runway may be used.
A look back at air traffic 29 april - 12 mei 2024
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Runway use past weeks: Polderbaan mostly used
The Polderbaan (32%) and the Kaagbaan (27%) were used the most. The Aalsmeerbaan (19%) and Zwanenburgbaan (19%) were deployed as secondary runways. The Buitenveldertbaan (8%) was used for 3% of flights, and the Schiphol-Oostbaan was hardly deployed.
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1,360 flights per day (average)
In the period of 29 April – 12 May 2024, there was an average of 1,360 daily flights at Schiphol. We had predicted an average of 1,365 flights in our outlook. The number of flights increased compared to previous weeks.
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Peak times last week
The early and late morning, early and late afternoon and evening landing peaks were followed by a take-off peak every day. There was average of 11 peak moments as a result of air traffic volumes. The peak start and end times deviated slightly, as expected.
Deployment per runway
Kaagbaan Runway usage
In the period of 29 April – 12 May 2024, the Kaagbaan was used for 27% of all flights. The runway was unavailable on some nights due to asphalt being laid as part of the runway's major maintenance.
Polderbaan Runway usage
In the period of 29 April – 12 May 2024, the Polderbaan was the most frequently used runway at Schiphol. About a third (32%) of flights used this runway.
Aalsmeerbaan Runway use last week
The Aalsmeerbaan was used for 19% of flights during the period 29 April – 12 May. We mainly used the Aalsmeerbaan as a second runway during peak daytime hours, depending on the wind direction at that time. It was used as the main runway on certain days because the Kaagbaan was not available at that time due to works or in connection with the wind conditions.
Zwanenburgbaan Runway usage
In the period of 29 April – 12 May 2024, the Zwanenburgbaan was deployed for 19% of flights. We mainly used this runway as a secondary runway during daytime peaks, depending on the wind direction. The runway was also used during several nights (depending on the wind direction) at times when Kaagbaan or Polderbaan were unavailable due to work activities.
Buitenveldertbaan Runway usage
Between 29 April and 12 May 2024, the Buitenveldertbaan was deployed on several days due to weather conditions (mainly the wind). The Buitenveldertbaan was used for 3% of flights.
Schiphol-Oostbaan Runway usage
The Schiphol-Oostbaan was hardly used as a runway for commercial air traffic between 29 April and 12 May 2024. On 3 May, the runway was used alongside the Polderbaan as a secondary runway during peak times. This was necessary because weather conditions (showers with a low cloud base) prevented parallel landings. The Buitenveldertbaan was also unavailable at that time.
