Aircraft noise

Loud aircraft noise can cause insomnia, concentration disorders and learning difficulties in children. That is why the authorities make every effort to ensure that growth in air traffic does not lead to excessive noise nuisance.

Noise zones around Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is required to reduce the noise nuisance caused by aircraft during landing and takeoff, for instance by using approach paths and runways that cause less nuisance to local residents. At night the airport is only allowed to use one runway for landing and one for takeoff.

Other Dutch airports are also required to take account of aircraft noise.

Lodging a complaint about aircraft noise

  • If you are bothered by noise from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, please get in touch with the Schiphol Residents’ Group (Bewoners Aanspreekpunt Schiphol, or BAS).
  • Complaints about military aircraft should be addressed to the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
  • To lodge a complaint about excessive noise at other Dutch airports, please phone their individual complaints departments or the regional Omgevingsdienst (information in Dutch).

The department concerned will check if any noise standards are exceeded. If you don’t agree with the assessment, you can contact the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). ILT will examine whether the assessment that has been made is correct.