Key Takeaways
• Pilots at Schiphol Airport blinded by solar farm glare during critical landings in 2025.
• Schiphol sued Groene Energie Corridor to remove solar panels due to safety risks.
• Damages linked to glare problem estimated at €300 million; court case set for July 2025.
Pilots approaching Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 have faced a serious and unexpected hazard in 2025: intense glare from a nearby solar farm, Groene Energie Corridor, that has temporarily blinded them during critical landing phases. This issue has led Schiphol Airport to take legal action against the solar farm’s owners, demanding the removal of the panels to protect flight safety. The situation has caused runway closures, disrupted air traffic, and sparked a debate about how renewable energy projects should be managed near major airports. With potential damages estimated at up to €300 million and a court case set for July 2025, the outcome will have wide-reaching effects for airlines, local communities, and the future of solar energy near airports.
What Happened at Schiphol Airport?
In early 2025, pilots landing at Schiphol Airport began reporting sudden, blinding flashes of light during their approach, especially when using the Polderbaan (Runway 18R/36L) and Zwanenburgbaan runways. The source was quickly identified: the Groene Energie Corridor solar farm, a massive installation covering about 100 hectares and designed to power 40,000 homes. When the sun hit the panels at certain angles—mainly in the late morning during specific seasons—the reflected light created a powerful glare, making it difficult or even impossible for pilots to see the runway.
Schiphol Airport responded by closing the Polderbaan to landings between 10:00 and 12:00 on sunny days starting March 4, 2025. This forced planes to use other runways, leading to more noise in different neighborhoods and causing delays and rerouting for airlines. The problem was so severe that, on June 28, 2025, Schiphol filed a lawsuit against the solar farm’s owners, demanding the removal of the panels and calling the glare an “unacceptable safety risk.”
Why Is Glare from Solar Panels So Dangerous?
Glare happens when sunlight bounces off a shiny surface, like a solar panel, and creates a bright reflection. For pilots, even a few seconds of glare during landing can be extremely dangerous. Landing is one of the most critical parts of any flight, and pilots need a clear view of the runway and their instruments. If they are suddenly blinded by glare, they may have to abort the landing, which can be risky and stressful for everyone on board.
The glare at Schiphol Airport was especially problematic because:
- It occurred during the busiest hours for landings.
- It affected two main runways, not just one.
- It forced the airport to close runways and reroute flights, causing delays and more noise in other areas.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, glare from solar farms near airports is a known risk, but it is often not well regulated or planned for, especially as more solar projects are built close to busy airfields.
Timeline: How the Situation Unfolded
To understand how the problem developed and what steps have been taken, here’s a timeline of key events:
- March 4, 2025: Schiphol closes the Polderbaan to landings between 10:00 and 12:00 on sunny days due to glare.
- March 28, 2025: The municipality of Haarlemmermeer, which approved the solar farm, announces plans to remove 5,000 panels as a temporary fix.
- March 30, 2025: The Polderbaan reopens fully as the sun’s position changes, reducing the glare risk for the time being.
- June 2025: Schiphol files a lawsuit for the removal of the entire solar field, warning that the glare risk will return in late summer.
- June 30, 2025: Reports estimate that damages from the ongoing issue could reach €300 million if not resolved.
Who Are the Main Stakeholders?
Several groups have a direct interest in how this situation is resolved:
- Schiphol Group: The airport operator, leading the legal fight to remove the solar panels and restore safe, reliable operations.
- Groene Energie Corridor: The owner of the solar farm, arguing that using special non-glare glass was either unavailable or too expensive (about 1.4 times the cost of regular glass).
- Municipality of Haarlemmermeer: The local government that approved the solar farm, now working with aviation authorities to find a permanent solution.
- Airlines (KLM, easyJet, and others): Directly affected by runway closures and rerouting, which disrupts schedules and increases costs.
- Dutch Air Traffic Control (LVNL): Responsible for air safety, working closely with the airport and airlines to manage the risk.
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management: Overseeing the broader policy response and considering new rules for solar farms near airports.
- Local Communities: Residents near Schiphol who have experienced increased noise and flight changes due to the rerouting of planes.
Technical Details: Why Did This Happen?
The Groene Energie Corridor solar farm was built with standard anti-reflective glass, which is common in most solar projects. However, for locations near airports, experts recommend using deep-textured glass, which scatters sunlight and greatly reduces glare. This special glass is more expensive, but it can make a big difference in safety.
The solar farm’s owners say that the recommended glass was either not available or too costly at the time of construction. Critics, however, argue that cost should not come before safety, especially so close to a major international airport.
In March 2025, local authorities began removing about 5,000 panels as a temporary fix, but this only addressed part of the problem. The glare risk is expected to return as the sun’s angle changes later in the year.
Safety and Operational Impacts
The main concern is safety. Pilots must be able to see clearly during approach and landing. The glare from the solar panels created a real risk of accidents, which is why Schiphol Airport took such strong action.
But the problem didn’t stop there. Closing one of the airport’s busiest runways meant:
- More planes using other runways, leading to congestion and delays
- Increased noise in neighborhoods not used to heavy air traffic
- Higher costs for airlines, which had to reroute flights and manage disruptions
- Potential compensation claims from affected parties
If the issue is not resolved, the financial impact could reach up to €300 million, including legal costs, operational disruptions, and possible compensation.
Legal and Policy Implications
Schiphol’s lawsuit is a major step, showing how seriously the airport takes the glare risk. The court case, expected to proceed in July 2025, could result in a court order to remove the entire solar field. This would be a costly and controversial move, especially given the push for more renewable energy in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 and across Europe.
The case also highlights gaps in current rules. There are no strict national or EU-wide regulations requiring solar farms near airports to use non-glare materials or to model glare risks before construction. Many experts now say that this needs to change.
Key policy questions include:
- Should all solar farms near airports be required to use deep-textured, non-glare glass?
- Who should pay for the extra cost—solar developers, local governments, or airports?
- How can renewable energy goals be balanced with the need for air safety?
Perspectives from Experts and Industry
Aviation safety experts warn that glare from solar panels is a growing problem as more solar farms are built near airports. They say that better planning and stricter rules are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The solar industry, for its part, points out that technology exists to reduce glare, but it costs more. They argue that clear rules and better communication between developers, local governments, and airports are needed to avoid costly mistakes.
Local communities have also been drawn into the debate. Many residents near Schiphol have complained about increased noise and changes in flight paths due to the runway closures. This has added pressure on all sides to find a quick and lasting solution.
What Happens Next?
The next steps will depend on the outcome of the court case in July 2025. Schiphol Airport is seeking a summary judgment, which would allow for the fast removal of the panels. Meanwhile, authorities are considering several options:
- Full or partial removal of the solar field
- Retrofitting the panels with non-glare glass
- Other engineering solutions to block or redirect the glare
Air traffic controllers and airport managers will continue to monitor the glare risk, especially as the sun’s position changes with the seasons. If the problem returns, they may have to close runways again, causing more disruption.
At the same time, the Dutch government and possibly the European Union are expected to introduce new rules for solar farms near airports. These could include mandatory glare modeling, stricter siting requirements, and the use of approved materials.
For official updates and policy changes, readers can visit the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, which oversees transportation and infrastructure in the Netherlands 🇳🇱.
Lessons for the Future
This incident at Schiphol Airport is a warning for airports and solar developers everywhere. As the world moves toward more renewable energy, it’s important to make sure that new projects do not create new risks. Careful planning, clear rules, and the use of the right technology can help avoid conflicts between clean energy and air safety.
Key takeaways for stakeholders:
- Airports: Must assess glare risks from nearby solar farms before construction begins.
- Solar Developers: Should use non-glare materials and work closely with aviation authorities.
- Local Governments: Need to balance renewable energy goals with public safety and community concerns.
- Airlines and Pilots: Should report any glare incidents and participate in safety planning.
- Communities: Have a right to be informed and involved in decisions that affect their safety and quality of life.
Practical Guidance for Readers
If you are involved in planning or approving solar projects near airports, consider these steps:
- Conduct a glare analysis before construction to predict and prevent problems.
- Choose materials that minimize glare, even if they cost more.
- Work with aviation authorities from the start to identify and solve potential issues.
- Monitor and report any glare incidents quickly so they can be addressed before they become serious.
For travelers and residents near Schiphol Airport, stay informed about runway changes and possible disruptions by checking official updates from Schiphol Airport and local authorities.
Conclusion
The glare problem at Schiphol Airport shows how important it is to think ahead when building renewable energy projects near critical infrastructure. While solar farms are key to a cleaner future, they must be designed and located in ways that do not put lives at risk. The outcome of the legal battle and the policy changes that follow will set an important example for airports and solar developers around the world.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Schiphol case is likely to lead to new rules and better cooperation between the renewable energy and aviation sectors. This will help ensure that the push for clean energy does not come at the cost of safety or community well-being.
For more information on airport safety and infrastructure policy, readers can visit the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, which provides updates and resources on these important topics.
By learning from the Schiphol Airport experience, all stakeholders can work together to create a future where clean energy and safe skies go hand in hand.
Learn Today
Glare → Bright reflection of sunlight from solar panels that can temporarily blind pilots during landing.
Solar Farm → Large area covered with solar panels generating electricity, sometimes causing glare hazards near airports.
Polderbaan → A main runway at Schiphol Airport (18R/36L) affected by solar panel glare in 2025.
Non-glare Glass → Special textured glass used on solar panels to reduce harmful reflections and pilot blinding.
Runway Closure → Temporary shutdown of a runway to prevent accidents, causing delays and rerouting of flights.
This Article in a Nutshell
In 2025, Schiphol Airport faced severe safety issues from intense glare caused by a nearby solar farm. This glare blinded pilots during landings, forcing runway closures and disruptions. The airport sued for panel removal, highlighting urgent concerns about managing solar farms near busy airports and balancing safety with renewable energy goals.
— By VisaVerge.com
