Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is preparing for a busy start to September, with an average of 1,380 flights per day expected between August 31 and September 6. The airport also anticipates daily flight numbers to rise further throughout the month, while scheduled maintenance on the Buitenveldertbaan Runway temporarily changes normal runway operations.
1,380 Daily Flights
Schiphol expects an average of 1,380 flights per day between August 31 and September 6.
Traffic Set to Increase
Daily flight numbers are expected to rise further throughout September.
Runway Maintenance
Maintenance on the Buitenveldertbaan is temporarily changing normal runway operations.
Busy Start to September
The combination of increasing traffic and runway maintenance means alternative runways will play a greater role in handling arrivals and departures during the first week of September.
Eleven Peak Traffic Periods Expected Each Day
Schiphol expects 11 peak traffic periods per day during the week, including six departure peaks and five arrival peaks.
Departure Peaks
07:00–07:40, 09:20–10:40, 11:40–13:00, 14:00–15:20, 16:20–17:40 and 20:40–22:10.
Arrival Peaks
07:40–09:20, 10:40–11:40, 13:00–14:00, 15:20–16:20 and 18:00–20:20.
At peak times, Schiphol may use an additional runway to accommodate traffic. Under normal operating conditions, the airport generally uses one runway for departures and another for arrivals, although runway selection also depends on weather, wind conditions, availability and environmental regulations.
Buitenveldertbaan Closed for Annual Maintenance
August 31 – September 8
The increased traffic comes as Schiphol carries out annual routine maintenance on the Buitenveldertbaan Runway. The runway is unavailable for air traffic on weekdays from August 31 until September 8 but will reopen temporarily during the weekend of September 5 and 6.
Annual maintenance is carried out to ensure the runway remains safe and in good operational condition. Work includes inspections and maintenance of asphalt surfaces and runway markings, as well as checks on electrical systems and cabling.
Surface Maintenance
Asphalt surfaces and runway markings are inspected and maintained where necessary.
Electrical Checks
Electrical systems and cabling are inspected as part of the annual programme.
Drainage and Lighting
Crews will flush drainage systems, mow grass areas and clean or replace runway lights where necessary.
The maintenance work is being carried out in cooperation with construction company Heijmans.
Alternative Runways to Handle More Flights
With the Buitenveldertbaan temporarily unavailable, Schiphol will rely more heavily on other parts of its six-runway system.
Kaagbaan for Departures
The Kaagbaan Runway may be used in a north-easterly direction for aircraft that would normally depart from the Buitenveldertbaan.
Schiphol-Oostbaan for Arrivals
For arriving aircraft, the Schiphol-Oostbaan will serve as an alternative.
Six Runways at Schiphol
Schiphol operates six runways: Kaagbaan, Polderbaan, Aalsmeerbaan, Zwanenburgbaan, Buitenveldertbaan and Schiphol-Oostbaan.
Other runways may also be used depending on wind and weather conditions. The airport determines runway use based on several factors, including runway availability, weather conditions and environmental requirements.
Temporary Changes May Affect Surrounding Areas
The temporary runway arrangements may also lead to more aircraft using flight paths associated with the alternative runways. As a result, some communities around Schiphol could experience increased aircraft movements during the maintenance period.
Schiphol said runway maintenance is planned carefully to limit disruption and complete necessary work as efficiently as possible.
Information for Local Residents
Local residents seeking information about runway use and aircraft movements can contact the Local Community Contact Centre Schiphol, which provides operational information and handles questions and complaints related to air traffic around the airport.
With traffic expected to increase throughout September, Schiphol's runway operations will remain closely coordinated as the airport balances growing flight volumes with its scheduled maintenance programme.
