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International Aviation Operations In the Netherlands

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Aviation Operations in the Netherlands

The Netherlands serves as a major hub for international travel, with its airports connecting to numerous destinations worldwide, including major cities across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. This extensive network facilitates both passenger travel and cargo transport, making the Netherlands a pivotal point in global aviation. The aviation industry is also a significant contributor to the Dutch economy, supporting thousands of jobs and generating substantial economic activity. Integral to the country’s logistics and trade infrastructure, the sector enhances its position as a global aviation trade hub, contributing approximately €2.5 billion to the Dutch economy.

 

Below are the airports that serve as major key aviation hubs for the Netherlands, supporting both passenger and cargo operations.

 

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (IATA: AMS, ICAO: EHAM) International Flight Operations

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) operates under a single-terminal concept, divided into three main departure halls:

 

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has six runways, each serving specific operational needs, including those for business jets. The runways are as follows: Runway 18L-36R (Aalsmeerbaan) with a length of 3,400 meters (11,155 feet), Runway 09-27 (Buitenveldertbaan) measuring 3,453 meters (11,323 feet), and Runway 06-24 (Kaagbaan) at 3,500 meters (11,483 feet). The longest runway is Runway 18R-36L (Polderbaan), which stretches 3,800 meters (12,467 feet). Runway 18C-36C (Zwanenburgbaan) is 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) long, and the shortest, Runway 04-22 (Schiphol-Oostbaan), is 2,014 meters (6,611 feet), primarily used for general aviation and business jets.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (IATA AMS, ICAO EHAM) International Flight Operations

For landing at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, specific regulations and required documents must be adhered to by operators. First, Slot Allocation is mandatory for both arrivals and departures, requiring all aircraft to obtain a slot allocation from the slot coordinator to manage airport capacity efficiently.

Next, a Landing Permit Application must be submitted, including the aircraft registration and type, operator details, intended flight schedule, and the purpose of the flight (e.g., commercial, private, or cargo). Aircraft must also comply with Noise Certification regulations, providing the necessary documents to show adherence to the airport’s noise abatement procedures. Proof of Insurance Documentation is required, including liability insurance that meets the minimum requirements set by airport authorities.

Security Clearance for all crew and passengers is necessary, with manifests to be submitted in advance for security screening. Operators must also comply with Customs and Immigration regulations, submitting detailed manifests and ensuring all passengers and crew have valid travel documents. Operational Restrictions, such as night curfews or restrictions on specific aircraft types, may apply, and operators should consult the latest NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) and airport regulations. Finally, Environmental Regulations must be followed, including compliance with emission standards and waste disposal protocols.

 

 

Also the important Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) operational regulations are;

Noise Prevention Rules (Article 35)

Emergency Response Plan (ERP) Requirements

Towing and Push-Back Authorization

De-Icing and Winter Operations

Engine Testing and Ground Operations

Restricted Activities Requiring Permission

Engine Warm-Up and Cool-Down at Aircraft Stands

Towbar Requirements for Ground Handlers

Lastly,  JET A-1 fuel is available 24/7, ensuring seamless support for operations, from early morning business flights to late-night long-haul missions.

Eindhoven Airport (IATA: EIN, ICAO: EHEH) International Flight Operations

Eindhoven Airport (EIN) has a single terminal that handles both civilian and military traffic. The terminal is equipped with various facilities including shops, restaurants, and lounges. It is designed to accommodate a significant number of passengers, with a focus on efficiency and convenience.

Runway 03/21 is designed to accommodate business jets with its impressive specifications. It has a length of 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) and a width of 45 meters (148 feet), providing ample space for takeoffs and landings. The runway surface is made of durable asphalt, ensuring a smooth and safe operation for aircraft. For enhanced visibility and safety during operations, it is equipped with High Intensity Runway Lights (HIRL) and Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI). Additionally, the runway features a displaced threshold of 250 meters (820 feet) on both ends, which optimizes landing and takeoff conditions for various aircraft types.

Landing permits at Eindhoven Airport are subject to specific regulations, with distinct requirements for different types of flights. For Private (Non-Revenue) Flights, a permit is required for certain operations, and necessary documents include the aircraft registration, insurance certificate, pilot licenses, and flight plan. Commercial (Revenue) Flights also require a permit, with additional documents including an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) alongside the standard insurance certificate, aircraft registration, pilot licenses, and flight plan. Slot Coordination is mandatory for all flights, with slots needing to be requested and confirmed through the airport’s slot coordination office. For Customs and Immigration, services are available during operational hours, and travelers must provide passports, visas (if applicable), and customs declarations.

Operational Hours and Slot Coordination

2. Capacity Parameters

Commercial Aviation

3. Aircraft Restrictions and Compliance

4. Operational and Environmental Rules

These requirements  include scheduled flights, charters, ad hoc flights, and associated positioning flights. Slot adjustments may be updated after consultations with CCN. Aircraft seat capacity for calculations: Based on load factors of 85% for commercial and 92% for charter movements.

PPR (Prior Permission Required) Regulations for Business and General Aviation at Eindhoven Airport (Effective March 30, 2025)

These regulations are designed to manage Eindhoven Airport’s limited capacity efficiently while ensuring compliance and operational clarity for business and general aviation users.

Capacity

Conditions of General Aviation Flights

PPR Applications

PPR Allocation Procedure

Required Documents for Netherlands International Airport Slots

  1. Commercial Aviation (SCR): To request slots for commercial aviation, airlines must provide several key documents. These include the Air Operator Certificate (AOC), which verifies the airline’s operational authority, an Insurance Certificate to cover aircraft and operations, Aircraft Registration documentation, valid Pilot Licenses for all crew members, and a detailed Flight Plan for the intended operations.
  2. General Aviation (GCR): Similar to commercial aviation, general aviation requests require documentation such as Aircraft Registration, an Insurance Certificate, valid Pilot Licenses, and a detailed Flight Plan. These documents ensure that the flight can be safely and efficiently coordinated within the airport’s capacity.
  3. Flowcharts for Slot Requests: There are specific flowcharts to guide the slot request process. For normal operations, a standard procedure must be followed, while for abnormal operations, a separate flowchart outlines the required steps for irregular situations. These flowcharts help ensure clarity and consistency in the slot allocation process

Aviation Flight Operations Trends in the Netherlands 2019-2023

The Netherlands’ aviation industry has experienced significant fluctuations in recent years, particularly in aircraft movements, passenger traffic, and air cargo. These variations reflect the economic impacts, along with recovery trends and operational changes.

Aircraft Movements

In 2019, there were 603,633 aircraft movements in the Netherlands. However, due to the pandemic, this number dropped sharply to 340,288 movements in 2021, representing a decrease of about 43.5%. In 2022, the industry began to recover with 511,363 movements, showing a 50.3% increase from 2021. The estimated figure for 2023 is 548,773 movements, indicating a 7.3% increase over 2022, and a near return to pre-pandemic levels. The overall trend shows significant recovery, with the 2023 figures representing about 91% of the 2019 movement levels.

Passenger Traffic

Passenger traffic was severely impacted by the pandemic, with a sharp decline in 2021 to 29,069,535 passengers, a reduction of 64.2% compared to 2019’s 81,167,301 passengers. As the global situation improved, passenger numbers rebounded to 61,268,058 in 2022, representing a growth of 111.1% from 2021. The estimated passenger traffic for 2023 stands at 71,320,837, marking an increase of 16.4% compared to 2022 and about 87.9% of the pre-pandemic levels. This indicates a strong recovery, although the full return to 2019 levels is still ongoing.

Air Cargo (in tons)

Air cargo volumes were relatively stable in 2019 with 1,681,703 tons. The pandemic initially reduced this to 1,577,582 tons in 2020, a decline of 6.2%. In 2021, air cargo increased to 1,795,298 tons, marking a 13.8% increase from 2020. However, cargo volumes dipped in 2022 to 1,545,956 tons, representing a 13.9% decrease from the previous year. The 2023 estimate of 1,410,317 tons marks another decline, down by 8.8% from 2022. This suggests a downward trend in cargo traffic, potentially due to shifting global supply chains or other operational challenges.

Overflight Permits for Netherlands – Dutch Airspace

An overflight permit is required for all non-scheduled flights, including private and charter flights, that intend to fly over Dutch airspace. To obtain this permit, operators must submit an application to the Netherlands Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Required documents for the application include the Aircraft Registration Certificate, the Airworthiness Certificate confirming the aircraft’s suitability for flight, the Insurance Certificate covering third-party liability, the Noise Certificate ensuring compliance with noise regulations, valid Crew Licenses for all operating crew members, and a detailed Flight Plan outlining the intended route and altitudes. Applications should be submitted at least 48 hours before the intended flight. For urgent flights, operators should contact the CAA directly to expedite the process.

Netherlands International Airports Ground Handling Operations

Just Aviation offers comprehensive ground handling services across the Netherlands’ busiest airports, including AMS, EIN, RTM, GRQ, and MST. Our services cater to private and corporate aircraft, covering ramp handling such as aircraft marshaling, pushback, refueling, and de-icing, as well as passenger and crew assistance, including VIP lounge access.

In addition to ground handling, Just Aviation also assists with slot coordination, ensuring timely and efficient aircraft movements at these high-traffic airports. We work closely with the relevant authorities to secure and manage slots, helping clients comply with airport capacity regulations and minimize delays. Furthermore, we assist with obtaining the necessary flight permits, including overflight and landing permits, and ensure compliance with local aviation regulations for smooth operations.

We also ensure efficient turnaround times through highly coordinated aircraft handling, utilizing advanced all Ground Service Equipments (GSEs) to minimize delays. Our team adheres to strict international standards, including the latest updates from IATA’s Airport Handling Manual (AHM), and complies with local aviation regulations to provide a safe, efficient, and reliable service. By partnering with Just Aviation, operators can focus on their core business while we handle the technical and operational complexities of ground handling, slot coordination, and flight permits at these strategic locations.

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