Schipholtoren, Air traffic control tower at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Netherlands
The Schiphol Tower is the air traffic control facility at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and rises approximately 101 meters high. It monitors aircraft movements within roughly 15 kilometers and manages multiple runways at the airport using modern navigation systems.
Air traffic control operations began at the airport in 1920 when passenger flights started. The present tower became operational in 1991, replacing the previous structures that had served the airport's traffic management needs for decades.
The building now houses Restaurant Wings, where visitors can dine while watching aircraft on the Schiphol-Oostbaan Runway below. This blend of food and observation connects people to the bustling airport operations happening just outside the windows.
The tower features an observation area that gives insight into control operations, and the on-site restaurant offers a place to watch flights in comfort. Daytime visits are best for viewing aircraft activity, especially on clear days with regular flight operations.
A second control tower at Schiphol West handles the Polderbaan Runway separately with space for four controllers working at the same time. This division allows the airport to manage the growing flight traffic at one of Europe's busiest aviation hubs.
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