Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) has launched a major infrastructure project to upgrade sections of two key taxiways used by aircraft taxiing between gates and runways.
The project focuses on taxiways A and B, particularly the stretch between connections A21 and A25. Aircraft have used these taxiways for more than 20 years, and ageing pavement and systems now require renewal to ensure safe and efficient ground operations.
To minimize disruption to flight operations, the airport’s management has divided the construction work into two phases. The first phase will focus on taxiway B and will run from March 9 to April 12, 2026. The second phase will cover taxiway A, scheduled between May 4 and June 26, 2026. The airport has scheduled a break between the two stages to avoid the busy May holiday travel period.
“In addition to the taxiway works, Schiphol is combining as many surrounding maintenance activities as possible during this period, such as the annual routine maintenance on the Polderbaan and Zwanenburgbaan runways,” the airport wrote in a statement.
Schiphol noted that the work could affect aircraft movements during busy periods. Temporary closures of some taxiway exits will reduce the number of aircraft able to taxi simultaneously to and from certain runways.
“Although the maintenance work is being carried out on the taxiways, it may affect runway use at peak times. During the work on the taxiways and their exits, fewer aircraft can taxi to and from the Polderbaan and Zwanenburgbaan runways at the same time,” the statement reads.
As a result, during daytime peak periods, the Buitenveldertbaan runway may be used alongside the Polderbaan runway instead of the Zwanenburgbaan, depending on wind conditions and traffic levels.
“The Buitenveldertbaan will only be used when a combination of wind direction and traffic volumes makes that necessary. The Schiphol-Oostbaan runway would be a logical alternative in terms of wind direction, but Schiphol deliberately chooses not to use this runway more frequently for landings out of consideration for the local community,” the airport added.
The project will replace around 65,000 square metres of asphalt pavement, upgrade drainage systems, restore adjacent areas, and install 32 kilometres of new electrical cabling. New taxiway lighting and updated signage will also be installed as part of the upgrade.
