Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is pursuing legal action against the owners of a sizable solar farm situated near one of its runways, asserting that reflections emanating from the panels constitute a hazard to aircraft. This decision follows an incident in March when the airport had to temporarily shut down its Polderbaan runway for several hours daily due to numerous pilot reports of being blinded by the glare from the solar panels.

The airport has characterized the situation as presenting an “unacceptable risk to safety”. Anticipating a recurrence of the issue in August, Schiphol is concerned about further disruptions to flight schedules and increased noise pollution for nearby residents.

Schiphol’s objective is for the court to mandate the prompt removal of the solar panels by the farm’s owners. According to reports, previous discussions involving Groene Energie Corridor, the Haarlemmermeer council, and the infrastructure ministry have been unsuccessful in resolving the matter.

Despite warnings regarding potential risks, the local council proceeded with licensing the solar farm. The solar installation, covering approximately 100 hectares, is located along the A9 motorway between Rottepolderplein and the village of Zwanenburg.