Temporary measure for Zwanenburgbaan Runway in sunny conditions due to solar park glare

Recently, there has been a lot of talk about the solar park near Schiphol. Pilots can be affected by reflected glare from the solar panels during landing, which poses a safety risk. That’s why the parties involved have been working on a solution, so that the solar park can coexist safely with the airport.

DGEC has already started dismantling the solar panels. As long as there is still a safety risk, the Zwanenburgbaan Runway will be available less often in the afternoon in sunny weather. This measure will apply from 28 August to 29 September 2025, or until the solar panels in question have been removed.

The exact times vary per day, depending on the position of the sun. These periods will be between 14:40 and 17:00, ranging from a few minutes to a maximum of one hour. At these times, landing aircraft will be diverted to the Schiphol-Oostbaan Runway if necessary.

The parties have agreed to dismantle the solar panels, cover them with anti-reflective film and then reinstall them. This solution has been investigated by independent parties and, on that basis, has been deemed safe by the Integral Safety Management System (ISMS), in which the aviation sector works together to ensure safe aviation.

Schiphol, DGEC, the municipality of Haarlemmermeer and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management collaborated intensively on this solution. All parties will make a financial contribution. The arrangements have been made subject to the wishes and reservations of the Haarlemmermeer municipal council.

We are pleased that a solution is now in sight that offer scope for both sustainable energy and a safe airport operation.