Schiphol Begins Major Taxiway Renewal Project Through June 2026

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) has commenced a significant infrastructure renewal project focused on two key taxiways, A and B. The maintenance, scheduled from March to June 2026, is a critical step in ensuring the continued operational safety and efficiency of one of Europe's busiest hubs. The project involves replacing 65,000 square meters of asphalt and modernizing 32 kilometers of electrical cabling for airfield lighting and signage on infrastructure that has been in service for over 20 years.

The extensive work is necessary to maintain compliance with standards set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). According to EASA's Aerodrome Design and Operations (ADR) requirements, airport operators must maintain runway and taxiway surfaces to prevent irregularities that could lead to foreign object debris (FOD), which poses a significant safety risk to aircraft during ground operations.

Project Scope and Phasing

The project, managed in partnership with construction firm Heijmans, is strategically divided into two distinct phases to mitigate disruption to air traffic. This approach was deliberately chosen to avoid the peak travel period during the Netherlands' May holiday season, a common strategy for airports undertaking major infrastructure upgrades.

According to the airport's official schedule, the two phases are:

• Phase 1: Focuses on Taxiway B and runs from March 9 to April 12, 2026.
• Phase 2: Addresses Taxiway A and is scheduled from May 4 to June 26, 2026.

Beyond the pavement replacement, the modernization of 32 kilometers of electrical cabling is a crucial component. This allows for the renewal of taxiway lighting and signage systems, bringing them up to modern operational standards for visibility and reliability, particularly during low-visibility conditions. The aging taxiways, having served the airport for more than two decades, required this comprehensive overhaul to ensure their integrity for the foreseeable future.

Operational Context and Coordination

To maximize efficiency and minimize the number of separate airfield closures, Schiphol is synchronizing the taxiway project with other scheduled work. The airport will conduct annual routine maintenance on the Polderbaan (18R/36L) and Zwanenburgbaan (18C/36C) runways concurrently with the taxiway closures. This practice of