Schiphol Airport has filed a lawsuit against the owner of a nearby solar park, claiming the solar panels are reflecting sunlight in such a way that they are blinding pilots during landings. Through a summary proceeding, the airport is seeking to have the solar panels removed, arguing that they present an “unacceptable safety risk.”
In March, Schiphol temporarily closed the Polderbaan runway for several weeks to prevent safety hazards for planes attempting to land between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. due to the blinding glare from the solar panels. The airport has warned that the issue is likely to recur in August, when the sun will be positioned lower in the sky. “Removing the solar panels will take weeks to months. That’s why Schiphol feels compelled to take legal action,” a spokesperson explained in response to a report from De Telegraaf.
Schiphol, along with Dutch air traffic control and the airlines, is determined to avoid further disruptions. They argue that closing another runway would severely impact air traffic, and the increased congestion on other landing paths would likely cause more disturbances for nearby residents.
According to De Telegraaf, removing the solar panels could cost millions of euros. The municipality of Haarlemmermeer was warned about the potential risks the solar park posed to aviation safety years ago when it granted permission for the installation. The glass used in the panels does not meet the safety standards recommended by the IMS safety platform. Initially, it was claimed that the recommended glass was no longer available, prompting the use of a different type. However, industry insiders have since said that the recommended glass is still accessible, though it is more expensive.
Schiphol has stated that no viable alternative solutions have been found. The airport has engaged in prolonged discussions with the solar park owner, the Groene Energie Corridor, the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in an effort to resolve the issue.
The Groene Energie Corridor has stated it will respond to the lawsuit at a later stage
SJN
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