Dutch F-35 Fighter Jets Train at Amsterdam Schiphol

The Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will host a short training exercise by the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force involving four F-35 fighter jets and a military transport aircraft on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 January.

The week-long exercise is designed to test how military flight operations can be conducted safely and responsibly from a major civilian airport. The drills will include multiple planned departures and arrivals, with aircraft then flying on to regular military training areas after leaving Schiphol.

Airport and defence officials say the collaboration helps ensure preparedness for a wide range of scenarios — including crisis or conflict situations — by strengthening civil-military coordination while maintaining normal airport operations. The exercise does not signal any permanent basing of military aircraft at Schiphol.

The Dutch Ministry of Defence and Schiphol operators have coordinated the operation with Air Traffic Control the Netherlands and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, with advance notice given to local municipalities and stakeholders. While aircraft noise may be temporarily more noticeable in surrounding areas, both aviation safety and community considerations remain priorities during the exercise.

This temporary training at a civil hub reflects wider efforts by Dutch authorities to maintain resilience and flexibility in aviation infrastructure, ensuring critical processes can continue even under changing circumstances.