The low temperature and (wet) snow showers that are sweeping across the country today mean that some aircraft will have to be cleared of ice before departure. This process takes extra time, meaning fewer flights can depart than usual, a Schiphol spokesperson explains.
The strong westerly wind also plays a role: because aircraft preferably have to take off and land against the wind, runway use is limited.
Due to their location, the Kaagbaan (for departing flights) and the Buitenveldertbaan (for arriving flights) are mainly used. Around 9.45 am the Polderbaan is also in use as a runway, according to information on the air traffic control website.
Canceled flights
Schiphol advises travelers to use their keep a close eye on flight informationand contact the airline if necessary. A large number of flights within Europe (to Norway, Denmark, Germany, England, France, Finland and Austria, among others) have been canceled.
Most intercontinental flights are departing, but some are delayed. For example, some flights to the US depart this morning with a half-hour delay. It is expected that more flights will be delayed or canceled during the course of the day, the Schiphol spokesperson said.
KLM confirms that a large number of its flights are affected, but due to the unpredictability of the winter weather, it is not yet possible to say exactly how many flights are affected.
It may happen that aircraft still have to wait quite some time after passengers have boarded before they are allowed to depart. “But that is not our preference,” said the spokesperson.
Snow plow on standby
In addition to the de-icing platform, where the aircraft are de-iced with antifreeze before departure, the snow plow is also on standby. They do not have to take action in wet snow, but if the snow stays down, they take their place in their snow plows to keep the runways accessible.
Last year, NH reporter Eline Boshuizen was allowed to join Schiphol’s snow fleet. Watch that report below.