Amsterdam Airport Schiphol’s Zwanenburgbaan Runway is available again for air traffic after a period of major maintenance.
The major maintenance work undertaken included renewing the asphalt on the runway – 60% of the asphalt was reused during the upgrade. Schiphol also renewed 12,000m2 of runway markings and replaced 6km of guttering and drains on and around the runway. The runway lighting and corresponding electric cables were replaced by a more sustainable and more reliable LED lighting system. The works were carried out in collaboration with construction company Heijmans.
ILS test flights
During the period of maintenance, Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) updated the instrument landing system (ILS) on the northern section of the runway. Some of the work that needs to be carried out on the ILS, such as measurements and test flights, can only take place once the major maintenance is complete. While the measurements and test flights are carried out on 13, 15 and 20 May, the runway will be unavailable for air traffic for a few hours.
The Zwanenburgbaan Runway can now be deployed at times of good visibility. It is still not possible for aircraft to land from the south when visibility is limited, when there is thick fog, for instance. According to international safety standards, the new ILS must have been working reliably and stably for 30 days before the Zwanenburgbaan Runway can be deployed again in all visibility conditions.
Images: Royal Schiphol Group
