From 10 May to 28 September 2025, Schiphol is upgrading the Buitenveldertbaan, one of the airport’s runways. In just over four months, work will be carried out on the large-scale renewal of almost all infrastructure on and around the runway. During the period of work, air traffic will use the other runways, including the Kaagbaan and the Schiphol-Oostbaan. Schiphol understands that this may cause inconvenience to some local residents and is doing everything possible to carry out the maintenance as quickly and efficiently as possible.

This is the largest-scale runway maintenance we’ve ever carried out on the Buitenveldertbaan Runway. We’re upgrading almost everything, from the asphalt and lights to the rainwater drainage system and cabling. We’re also replacing parts that date back to the 60s. This is a challenging and complex project due to the variety of works taking place on the runway and surrounding it, including the intersection with the Aalsmeerbaan Runway. We’re working with hundreds of people every day, and where possible at night, to ensure that the runway will be available again as soon as possible. This is important for our neighbours and for air traffic
Sybren Hahn, Chief Infrastructure Officer

The maintenance
To continue using the Buitenveldertbaan Runway safely in the coming years, major maintenance is essential. A total of 100,000 tonnes of asphalt will be laid – that’s around the same as 72 football pitches. 90% of the removed asphalt will be recycled, 60% of it in the runway itself. 1,300 lights are being replaced by more sustainable LED bulbs and almost 400 kilometres of cables will be installed for the lighting system. In addition, around 5,000 metres of guttering and 2,500 metres of rainwater drainage system are being renewed, and more than 14,000 m2 of new runway markings applied.

In addition to the work on the Buitenveldertbaan Runway, Schiphol is bundling as many activities together as possible during this period of maintenance. This prevents the runway from having to be taken out of service several times per year. Work is also being done on the intersection of the Aalsmeerbaan and Buitenveldertbaan runways, the connecting taxiways and surrounding fields (90,000 m2). The work is being carried out in collaboration with construction company Heijmans. At the same time, Air Traffic Control the Netherlands is carrying out maintenance on the Instrument Landing System. There will be around 400 people working on and around the Buitenveldertbaan Runway every day.

Deployment of other runways
Which runways are deployed for air traffic depends on the weather conditions. The Buitenveldertbaan Runway is usually used primarily when there is a (strong) westerly wind. While the work is taking place, aircraft will make use of the other runways. In this case, we will be deploying the Kaagbaan Runway more often for departing aircraft and the Schiphol-Oostbaan Runway for landing traffic.

This means that the areas under the flight paths of these runways will see more aircraft flying over during this maintenance period. People living near Schiphol may be inconvenienced by this. This is why Schiphol plans runway maintenance carefully and makes every effort to carry out the maintenance as efficiently as possible. To keep nuisance to a minimum, the aviation sector is taking several operational measures.

The Buitenveldertbaan Runway will be available for air traffic again as of 29 September, following the completion of maintenance works. In the weeks that follow, Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) will carry out essential ground and flight measurements to carefully test the upgraded landing system. Until 12 November, the runway will be available for landing only when visibility is good. After that, the Buitenveldertbaan will be fully operational in all visibility conditions.

Keeping neighbours informed
Schiphol will inform local residents about the maintenance work through various channels and keep them extensively informed about everything surrounding the work, the impact on air traffic and our local environment. Keep an eye on the Schiphol website and neighbour newsletter to stay up to date.