The solar panels cause a unique and significant problem: the reflection from these panels poses a safety risk to pilots landing on certain runways at the airport when the sun is at a certain angle.

The removal of the solar panels has already begun. The parties have now agreed to equip all panels with a film that prevents reflection. This requires all panels to be dismantled and later reinstalled. The goal is to have this completed by September 2026.

It is expected that starting from August 28, 2025, there will again be disruptions for pilots wanting to land on the Zwanenburgbaan. Despite the fact that the dismantling process has already started, it is unfortunately not possible to remove all panels before that date. To ensure flight safety, Schiphol announces that the Zwanenburgbaan will be less available for landing traffic during sunny weather conditions starting from the afternoon of August 28. This measure will last until September 29 or until the panels are removed.

The removal, adjustment, and reinstallation of the solar panels incur costs. Not intervening now would make those costs even greater. All parties involved are making a financial contribution. Since the agreed solution serves various public interests, Minister Robert Tieman (Infrastructure and Water Management) has pledged to allocate €6.84 million to the municipality of Haarlemmermeer. The municipal council of Haarlemmermeer still needs to approve the plans.

Minister Tieman: “We have seen that the reflection from the solar panels poses problems for flight safety. Additionally, there was a risk for airport operations with potentially many delayed and canceled flights, as well as a prolonged different use of runways - which brings extra noise pollution for the surrounding area. Therefore, I have decided that the ministry will help solve the problem, together with the parties involved.”

There is no regulation to which a municipality can assess whether solar panels pose dangerous situations for aviation. However, member states are required to ensure that all stakeholders are heard when granting permits for (among other things) solar panels.

Europe has announced it will look into whether such regulation is necessary. The expectation is that a decision on this will be made no earlier than 2029.