Pilots approaching Schiphol Airport have been facing an unexpected challenge due to an intense glare from a nearby solar park, making landings increasingly difficult, especially on sunny days. After weeks of complaints from the aviation sector, authorities have decided to take action, closing the Polderbaan runway for two hours during sunny mornings.
Starting immediately, the Polderbaan runway will be closed for landings between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on days when the sun is shining. This decision follows numerous reports from pilots struggling to manage the glare, which can obstruct their view and make landing conditions hazardous.
The closure has been implemented after concerted discussions between various aviation stakeholders, who are part of the Integral Safety Management System (ISMS). These groups have expressed their concerns and urged both the municipality and the Ministry of Infrastructure to consider more sustainable solutions that would prevent the glare without compromising safety.
While solar energy is a key part of the Netherlands’ push toward renewable energy, the situation highlights a growing concern in the aviation industry about the impact of solar panels near flight paths. Airports around the world are grappling with similar challenges as they try to balance environmental goals with operational safety. Authorities at Schiphol are expected to explore longer-term solutions to mitigate the glare while maintaining safety standards for incoming flights.
