EHAM Amsterdam Schiphol runways and takeoff data

Runways at EHAM

The main direction is a set of three parallel runways (18R/36L, 18L/36R and 18C/36C) on 183/003° true. When the wind blows across the main runways there are three crosswind options: 09/27 (84° off), 06/24 (55° off) and 04/22 (38° off).

Lengths run from 2,020 m on 04/22 to 3,800 m on 18R/36L, a difference of 1,780 m.

Displaced thresholds: 18R 270 m, 09 90 m, 06 250 m, 18L 575 m, 36C 450 m. A displaced threshold shortens the landing distance from that end, not the takeoff run.

Example takeoff performance

Flap setting, assumed temperature (FLEX) and V1/VR/V2 in knots for an A320ceo at 70 t and a 737-800 at 72 t, from the start of each runway of at least 1,800 m. Conditions are a standard day so runway length and airport elevation are what change: ISA temperature at the runway elevation, QNH 1013, calm wind, dry, no obstacles.

Runway length shows in the numbers: from 18R (3,800 m) the A320 example uses CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 61 °C, while 04 (2,020 m) needs CONF 3 and 50 °C, so less thrust reduction.

At 11 ft below sea level the air is as dense as it gets, and the elevation costs nothing: the A320 example on 18R matches the same runway at sea level (CONF 1+F, 61 °C).

Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example still gets CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 51 °C from 18R (3,800 m). The limiting end is 22 (2,020 m), which needs full takeoff thrust (TOGA) with CONF 3, no thrust reduction at all. On a hot day at full weight that is the runway to check before you accept it from ATC.

The A320 V2 values include improved climb: with a long runway and a high assumed temperature, V2 is raised above its minimum so the one-engine climb gradient still holds. That is why V2 runs higher on the longer runways.

Where the 737-800 assumed temperature is marked max it sits on the FCOM maximum; elsewhere the runway or the climb gradient sets it. Where flaps 5 does not fit, the example takes the optimum flap instead.

An illustration for flight simulation, not for real-world operations. Your own numbers depend on weight, weather, runway condition, intersection and obstacles; SkyNexus computes them from your SimBrief plan and the live METAR. See the A320 performance calculator and the 737-800 performance calculator for how it works.

Flying EHAM on VATSIM

Dutch VACC publishes a pilot briefing for Amsterdam Schiphol with local procedures. Read it before you file: Dutch VACC EHAM briefing. In SkyNexus the division notes show up next to your departure briefing, with the live VATSIM and IVAO controllers along your route.

Nearby airports

• EHRD Rotterdam The Hague24 NM
• EHEH Eindhoven56 NM
• EBBR Brussels85 NM
• EDDL Dusseldorf96 NM

All airports

EHAM questions

How long is the longest runway at EHAM?

Runway 18R/36L at Amsterdam Schiphol is 3,800 m (12,467 ft) long and 60 m wide, surfaced in asphalt.

What is the elevation of Amsterdam Schiphol?

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol sits at 11 ft below sea level. Elevation lowers air density, which raises true airspeed at a given V-speed and lengthens the takeoff run, so it matters for performance.

Which flap setting does an A320 use for takeoff at EHAM?

In our reference example (70 t, ISA, calm wind, dry runway, full length) the A320 uses CONF 1+F or CONF 3 here. On a real day the answer moves with weight, temperature, wind and the runway condition; SkyNexus works it out from your SimBrief flight plan and the live METAR.

Which runway at EHAM limits a heavy A320 takeoff?

Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example still gets CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 51 °C from 18R (3,800 m). The limiting end is 22 (2,020 m), which needs full takeoff thrust (TOGA) with CONF 3, no thrust reduction at all. On a hot day at full weight that is the runway to check before you accept it from ATC.

Is there a VATSIM pilot briefing for EHAM?

Yes. Dutch VACC publishes a pilot briefing for Amsterdam Schiphol with local procedures. SkyNexus links to it and shows the division notes next to your departure and arrival briefing.