Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) has been safely managing air traffic through Dutch airspace for almost a hundred years. This is achieved by following pre-defined procedures and routes, using communication, navigation and radar systems.
The airspace over the Netherlands has a complex layout, consisting of routes that can be used by air traffic. At high altitude, there is an international route network comparable to motorways. Our air traffic controllers manage departing aircraft from Dutch airports to the 'ramps' and landing aircraft from the 'exits' to the airports.
To ensure this process runs safely, air traffic controllers maintain sufficient distances between aircraft in the air and on the ground. They achieve this by providing instructions regarding heading, altitude and speed, which we refer to as 'separation'.
Our air traffic controllers decide which runways can be used based on weather conditions, how busy it is and which runways are available. For safety reasons, aircraft take off and land into the wind as much as possible. Some runway combinations are not available in poor visibility, such as fog, for safety reasons. Passing showers accompanied by thunderstorms, rain or snow can also mean that certain runways cannot be used.
The use of runways is agreed with the government. This is done on the basis of a preferential order. We prefer to use the Kaagbaan and Polderbaan, as these cause less disturbance to neighbouring residents. Would you like to know which runway is currently in use at Schiphol?
You can find this information under 'Current runway usage'.
Our air traffic controllers decide which runways can be used based on weather conditions, traffic density and the available runways. For safety reasons, aircraft take off and land into the wind as much as possible. In poor visibility, for example during fog, some runway combinations cannot be used for safety reasons. Passing showers with thunderstorms, rain or snow can also prevent us from using certain runways. The use of runways has been agreed with the government and the communities surrounding Schiphol. This is done on the basis of a so-called order of preference. We prefer to use the Kaagbaan and Polderbaan runways, as these cause relatively less nuisance to local residents. Would you like to know which runway is currently in use at Schiphol? You can find this information at current runway use.
Departing aircraft use a standard instrument departure with waypoints that connect to the higher airspace towards the flight's destination. The pilot must follow this procedure up to an altitude of approximately 1 km (3,000 feet), unless it is impossible to do so safely. This procedure and the location of route points are designed so that all aircraft can fly safely and avoid residential areas as much as possible. Air traffic controllers can use the margin in these routes to ensure safe and efficient management of traffic. There are also standard approach procedures for landing aircraft.
Between 23:00 and 06:00, pilots must follow the route at a higher altitude (minimum 9,000 feet, or approximately 3 kilometres) and avoid certain routes even more to prevent sleep disturbance caused by air traffic. Landing traffic uses longer fixed approach routes at night that fly around residential areas as much as possible. This is possible because there is less air traffic at night.
The national government is currently working on the Dutch Airspace Redesign Programme (DARP), which aims to create more training space for the air force and enable traffic to fly shorter distances with less disruption. Further information is available on the Luchtvaartindetoekomst.nl website.
Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) is responsible for managing civil airspace and everything that this encompasses. LVNL has managed Dutch airspace since 1930. Since 1993, it has been an Independent Administrative Body (ZBO).
Which runway at Schiphol is currently in use?