AMSTERDAM AIRPORT”S new fifth runway (18R-36L) will open for air traffic on 20 February, 2003. The airport will begin operating the new main runway in phases. Initially the runway will be open only for flights at night but will offer more frequently during the daytime from July 2003. The new runway system will be fully operative from 1 November 2003. Investments in the new 3,800 metre north-south runway total around E320m. Not only capable of taking the new Airbus A380, the new runway will enable aircraft to fly over less densely populated areas. Air traffic above the city of Amsterdam will decline by well over 50% from 1 November 2003. http://www.schiphol.nl