New guidelines and enforcement ensure that auxiliary power units (APUs) are only used when absolutely necessary.
Reducing use of auxiliary engine
The rules for using an aircraft's auxiliary power unit (APU) during ground handling have been tightened to reduce emissions. Upon arrival, the APU may run for a maximum of 5 minutes. Depending on the aircraft type, the APU may run 5 or 10 minutes before departure. There are exceptions where the APU may run for longer, but the airline must first request permission from the airport authority. Schiphol actively monitors whether the APU is being used correctly and intervenes if this is not the case. It is good to know that if the outside temperature is -5°C or above +25°C, the pilot may switch on the APU without requesting permission.
Enforcement
Since January 2026, Schiphol has been able to enforce rules on the improper use of the APU. Schiphol does so on the basis of the regulations set out in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), the official aeronautical handbook issued by Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL).