The Aalsmeerbaan is available again for departing aircraft as of today. After testing the landing system next week, the runway is expected to be available for landing aircraft in good visibility. This is earlier than originally planned. In the coming period, tests will be carried out on the landing systems, so that the runway can be safely used as a landing runway again. Major maintenance has been carried out on the Aalsmeerbaan since the beginning of April to ensure the runway is and remains in good condition.
Published on: 30 June 2022
Test flights 16 and 23 July
The Aalsmeerbaan Runway’s landing systems, like the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI), were updated during this period of major maintenance. To test these systems, Schiphol and Air Traffic Control the Netherlands are carrying out special test flights. When these flights will take place in the afternoon and evening of 16 and 23 July depends on the weather conditions and air traffic volumes. These flights are being carried out using a special test aircraft: a Cessna with the registration number PH-LAB.
No landings at times of poor visibility
Following the test flights will be a period in which aircraft can only land on the Aalsmeerbaan Runway at times of good visibility. In accordance with international safety standards, the new landing systems must have been fully functional for 30 days before landings can take place at times of poor visibility. We expect that the Aalsmeerbaan Runway will be available for landing in all visibility conditions by the end of August. During this period, another runway can be deployed at times of limited visibility. Air traffic can take off from the Aalsmeerbaan Runway in all visibility conditions.