Since 20 February 2003, Schiphol has had a runway system comprising five main runways:
- Runway 18L-36R (Aalsmeerbaan), 3400 metres
- Runway 09-27 (Buitenveldertbaan), 3450 metres
- Runway 06-24 (Kaagbaan), 3490 metres
- Runway 18R-36L (Polderbaan), 3800 metres
- Runway 18C-36C (Zwanenburgbaan), 3300 metres
In addition, Schiphol also has Runway 04-22 (Schiphol-Oostbaan). This short runway is mainly used for general aviation, and for regular traffic when circumstances call for it.
Runway numbering
Each runway at Schiphol has its own name and a technical code. The numbers correspond to the degrees on a magnetic compass (360 degrees). North is 0, East is 90, South is 180 and West is 270 degrees. The last 0 is omitted from the name. The code is based on the flight direction of the aircraft, and as a result the numbers are the exact opposite of what the runway?s location would suggest.
For example: Runway 06-24 (Kaagbaan) is located at 060-240 degrees, hence the official name: 06-24 (Kaagbaan). Runway 18R-36L (Polderbaan) is located at 180 - 360 degrees. However, because runways 18C-36C (Zwanenburgbaan), 18R-36L (Podlerbaan) and 18L-36R (Aalsmeerbaan) are parallel to one another, the suffixes L (left), R(right) and C(centre) are used for clarification. A pilot approaching Schiphol from the north (180 degree course) sees three parallel runways: 18R-36L (Polderbaan) on the right (18R), 18C-36C (Zwanenburgbaan) in the middle (18C) and 18L-36R (Aalsmeerbaan) on the left (18L). When approaching from the south, it is just the opposite: Runway 18R-36L (Polderbaan) on the left (36L), Runway 18C-36C (Zwanenburgbaan) in the centre (36C) and Runway 18L-36R (Aalsmeerbaan) on the right.
