Schiphol Airport Begins Major Taxiway Renewal Project

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) has launched a significant infrastructure project to renew critical sections of its taxiway system. The work, which began in March and will run until June 2026, focuses on upgrading ageing pavement and systems on two key taxi routes used daily by aircraft.

Project Scope and Timeline

The maintenance targets taxiways A and B, specifically the stretch between connections A21 and A25, which have been in use for over two decades. Schiphol will replace around 65,000 square metres of asphalt and install 32 kilometres of new electrical cabling. New lighting and signage will also go in to support safe ground operations.

To minimise disruption, the airport has divided the work into two phases, deliberately avoiding the May holiday period. Work on taxiway B is scheduled from March 9 to April 12, followed by work on taxiway A from May 4 to June 26. Schiphol is also coordinating this with routine maintenance on the Polderbaan and Zwanenburgbaan runways to prevent additional disruption later in the year.

Potential Impact on Runway Use

While the work is on the taxiways, it may affect ground movements during peak times. With temporary closures of some exits, fewer aircraft will be able to taxi to and from the Polderbaan and Zwanenburgbaan simultaneously.

During peak daytime hours, the Buitenveldertbaan runway may replace the Zwanenburgbaan when used with the Polderbaan. This is dependent on wind direction and traffic levels.

The airport stated it is deliberately avoiding using the Schiphol-Oostbaan more frequently for landings “out of consideration for the local community”, as it would otherwise be a logical alternative based on wind direction. Residents may notice changes in flight patterns and can contact the Local Community Contact Centre for more information.

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