On 11 June 2026, LVNL has implemented necessary safety measures. Measures of this kind are not introduced without careful consideration. A comprehensive process precedes them. But how does that work exactly? An air traffic controller, a flight procedure analyst and an environmental manager explain.
The core task of LVNL is to provide air traffic services. Safety is a fundamental prerequisite. That is why we continuously assess whether procedures are safe and effective. Sometimes it is necessary to introduce measures or adapt procedures in order to maintain safety standards—for example, because aircraft are becoming more advanced, circumstances are changing, or operational experience shows that further improvements can be made.
A safety measure often begins with a signal from day-to-day operations. In the case of the night-time departure route from the Polderbaan, air traffic controllers observed that aircraft were not all following the route in the same way.
Ronald Beers, air traffic controller and Unit Manager Tower/Approach within the Operations department, explains: “On this route, we noticed that not all aircraft are able to fly the right-hand turn accurately. This is due to the design of the turn, combined with the speed at which aircraft are flying at that point. As a result, aircraft sometimes came closer together than desired. In such cases, we give pilots additional instructions to ensure sufficient safe separation is maintained at all times. We received multiple reports of this from air traffic controllers.”
When such signals occur more frequently, it is investigated whether an adjustment is required. If so, a so-called safety recommendation can be issued.
We first examine carefully what is going on. Sometimes the cause is quickly identified, but in other cases we need to analyse it further together with other parties, such as airlines, to fully understand the situation.
Jan-Koenraad Veenstra Analist Flight Procedure Design
Following a safety recommendation, an extensive investigation begins. This looks at what exactly is happening and what possible solutions exist. Jan-Koenraad, Flight Procedure Design analyst, explains: “We first examine carefully what is going on. Sometimes the cause is quickly identified, but in other cases we need to analyse it further together with other parties, such as airlines, to fully understand the situation. Once the cause is clear, we develop possible solution directions. These are then discussed with the relevant departments and external partners.”
These solutions can vary considerably: “It may involve adjusting a route, but sometimes it also concerns different instructions for air traffic controllers or changes to systems." A careful assessment is then made to determine which solution is safest, complies with (inter)national regulations, and at the same time has the least possible impact on the environment. Once a solution has been selected, a design is created. “That design must meet many criteria,” Jan-Koenraad continues. “For example, ICAO guidelines and EU regulations.”
After the design is completed, it undergoes a review and, in some cases, flight validation:
“We test the adjusted procedure in practice. In the case of a route change, we also do this using an aircraft or a flight simulator. The procedure must then be approved by the authorities before it can be implemented.”
When developing safety measures, we also consider their effects on the surrounding area. To gain insight into these effects, a noise study may be carried out by an independent party. Juliette van der Laan, environmental management adviser, is closely involved:
“These measures are important for safety, but we understand that they can also have an impact on residents. For some people, this means fewer aircraft flying over their homes, while others may experience more noise. It is important that we inform the community clearly about this.”
A participation process is organised, in which municipalities, provinces and resident representatives are extensively informed and given the opportunity to ask questions.
“We answer those questions as carefully and clearly as possible,” Juliette adds.
Once the design is completed and the new procedure is ready, we determine how colleagues need to be trained. This may be done through training bulletins, and for more complex changes it may also involve simulator training.
Ronald Beers Air Traffic Controller and Unit Manager Tower/Approach
Before a safety measure is actually implemented in LVNL’s air traffic control systems, air traffic controllers must be briefed and trained. Ronald explains: “Once the design is completed and the new procedure is ready, we determine how colleagues need to be trained. This may be done through training bulletins, and for more complex changes it may also involve simulator training.”
Once the entire process has been completed and everything has been properly prepared, the new safety measure is implemented. The changes are published in international aviation publications, manuals and procedures are updated, and onboard flight management systems worldwide are adjusted accordingly.
Finally, the measure is implemented in the air traffic control system. In this way, we ensure step by step that everything is ready for use—a careful process in which safety, technology and the surrounding environment come together.