Amsterdam Schiphol and partners agree on solution for solar park glare near runways

After months of intensive consultations, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, De Groene Energie Corridor (DGEC), the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management have reached an agreement on how to resolve the safety risks caused by glare from a solar park located beneath the approach routes of the Polderbaan (18R-36L) and Zwanenburgbaan (18C-36C) runways.

The parties have decided to dismantle the solar panels, cover them with anti-reflective film, and reinstall them, ensuring that the solar park can safely coexist with aviation activities at the airport.

Independent studies confirmed that the proposed solution meets the safety requirements of the Integral Safety Management System (ISMS), in which the aviation sector jointly works to guarantee safe operations. While all parties will contribute financially to the project, the arrangement still depends on approval by the Haarlemmermeer municipal council. In the meantime, DGEC has already started dismantling 78,000 panels in fields A and B, with the remaining 150,000 panels in fields C and D to follow in phases.

As the work progresses, temporary safety measures have been put in place. From 28 August until 29 September 2025, the Zwanenburgbaan Runway will be unavailable for landings during certain sunny afternoon periods, when glare poses a risk to air traffic. These closures will last from a few minutes to a maximum of one hour, depending on the sun’s position, with traffic diverted to the Schiphol-Oostbaan Runway (04-22) if needed. The joint solution marks an important step in balancing flight safety with the Netherlands’ ongoing energy transition.