The Polderbaan Runway has been available to air traffic again since Saturday 15th May, but cannot be used in all visibility conditions. During this period, the Buitenveldertbaan Runway and Schiphol-Oostbaan Runway will be deployed more frequently when there is a southerly wind and when visibility is limited. We expect the Polderbaan Runway to be available again at times of limited visibility by mid-June.
Published on: 20 May 2021
Updated landing systems
The major maintenance on the Polderbaan Runway involved updating the landing systems. Test flights were carried out to check these systems and approve them for use. According to international safety standards, the landing systems must have been working well for five weeks before the runway can be used for landings at times of limited visibility. Only after that can the Polderbaan be used again for landings in all visibility conditions.
What are landing systems?
All runways at Schiphol are equipped with landing systems, such as the Instrument Landing System (ILS) or the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI). The ILS is a radio navigation system that pilots use to take the best route straight towards the runway. The ILS helps aircraft to make a gently curved approach towards the runway. PAPI is a visual guide; from inside the cockpit, the pilot can see four coloured lights. They use these lights to check whether the correct angle of descent is being maintained during landing.
Zwanenburgbaan Runway to undergo maintenance
Between 31st May and 21st June, the Zwanenburgbaan Runway will be undergoing maintenance. There will also be works on the taxiways to the south and west of the Zwanenburgbaan starting 14th May. This runway will have limited availability as a result.