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CTR · CIVIL AIRPORT

Drone filming in the Schiphol CTR

Amsterdam and the region around Schiphol · EHAM · what it takes and how Skymotion handles it

Almost all of Amsterdam lies inside the Schiphol CTR: the canal ring, the IJ, the Zuidas, the docks. That is exactly where productions want their aerial shot. It can be done — but only with an authorisation that includes the CTR privilege, a filed flight and, in most zones, radio contact with Schiphol Tower. Skymotion has flown here for years for film, series and commercials and handles the whole process.

The Schiphol CTR covers Amsterdam — including the Zuidas, the canals and the IJ — Amstelveen, Haarlemmermeer and much of the region around the airport. Exactly where the boundary and zones run differs per spot — we check that per location. Want to see where the CTR is yourself? It is on the GoDrone map ↗.

Airport
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
ICAO
EHAM
CTR type
Civil airport
Requests
Mission plan with LVNL — we file it
Radio contact
With the tower — from 26-11-2026 not in every zone
Airspace class
C
CTR vertical limits
Ground to 3,000 ft (± 900 m) above sea level
Hours
24 hours a day
Tower callsign
Schiphol Tower
Zoning 26-11-2026
Yes, new zones
The CTR on the map

How big the Schiphol CTR is

Drone zones from 26 Nov 2026CTR boundary only
  • Zone 1 Around the airport, 0–120 m: always in contact with air traffic control.
  • Zone 2A / 2B Ring of ± 2–5 km. 2A (0–45 m): no ATC needed. 2B (45–120 m): ATC needed, except within 30 m of buildings and obstacles.
  • Zone 3 Rest of the CTR, 0–120 m: no ATC needed.
  • Zone 4 Whole CTR above 120 m: ATC needed, except within 30 m of obstacles.
CTR boundaryHeight: Ground to 3,000 ft (± 900 m) above sea levelAirspace class: C
Indicative rendering based on the official boundary coordinates (AIP Nederland, AIRAC 10-2026). The drone zones apply from 26 November 2026 and are traced indicatively from the maps in the Dutch UAS zoning regulation (Stcrt. 2026, 33389), ± 100–200 m. Not for navigation: current boundaries and zones are in the AIP and on the GoDrone map ↗
Frequencies

Schiphol CTR radio frequencies

Schiphol Tower uses a separate frequency per runway combination. Which one we use on the shooting day is set in the approved mission plan and depends on the runway in use.

Tower119.230 MHzSchiphol TowerRunways 04/22 and 18L/36RTap to copyTower118.105 MHzSchiphol TowerRunway 18C/36CTap to copyTower118.280 MHzSchiphol TowerRunway 18R/36LTap to copyTower135.110 MHzSchiphol TowerRunway 06/24Tap to copyApproach / Departure119.055 MHzSchiphol ApproachApproach control (also 121.205)Tap to copyDelivery121.980 MHzSchiphol DeliveryVFR start-upTap to copyGround121.805 MHzSchiphol GroundAlso 121.705, 121.560 and 121.905Tap to copyATIS132.980 MHzSchiphol Arrival InformationDeparture ATIS: 122.205Tap to copy
Always useful
  • 124.300 Amsterdam InformationFlight information outside CTR/TMA
  • 132.350 Dutch Mil InfoMilitary areas and backup
  • 121.500 Emergency (guard)Monitor in an emergency

Source: AIP Netherlands (AIRAC 10-2026). Frequencies can change with each AIRAC cycle; we check them before every flight. For drones, the approved mission plan always applies.

What it takes to fly in the Schiphol CTR

  • An operational authorisation in the Specific category from the Dutch ILT with the CTR privilege. Skymotion holds one.
  • A mission plan filed with LVNL. We file it 48 hours ahead; 24 hours ahead we learn which hours are approved.
  • On the day, two-way radio contact (RT) with the tower via a certified RT operator — except in the zones where this is no longer needed from 26 November 2026.
  • An approved plan is not a guarantee: the controller gives final permission at the time. So build a buffer into your shoot day.
  • Permission from the landowner or municipality where you take off and land, and a filming permit where needed.

How we work in Amsterdam and the region around Schiphol

  • We file the mission plan with LVNL 48 hours ahead; 24 hours ahead we learn which hours are approved.
  • On the shoot day we are in two-way radio contact with Schiphol Tower. The tower can still hold or refuse at the time — build a buffer into your day.
  • Over streets and public space we only close off during the take, with traffic marshals — not all day.
  • For take-off and landing we keep 25 metres clear to the left and right of the drone.
  • Often there is a smarter alternative: an open field or sports ground nearby, so nothing needs to be closed. We work that out per shot with you.

New zones from 26 November 2026

From 26 November 2026, parts of the Schiphol CTR no longer require contact with air traffic control for Specific-category flights. Right around the runway and above 45 metres in the inner ring, radio contact remains required. Read all about the new CTR zoning →

ZoneHeight / positionFrom 26-11-2026
Zone 10–120 m · around the runway / airport groundsNothing changes: ATC/RT required.
Zone 2a0–45 m · inner ringSpecific-category flights without ATC.
Zone 2b45–120 m · inner ringMostly unchanged (ATC required), except a Specific flight within 30 m of buildings, structures or other obstacles: no ATC needed.
Zone 30–120 m · outer ringBoth Open and Specific without ATC.
Zone 4Above 120 m · upper CTR bandSame rule as 2b: ATC required, except Specific within 30 m of obstacles.

Frequently asked questions

Can you film with a drone in Amsterdam and the region around Schiphol?

Yes, with the right authorisation. In the Schiphol CTR you need a Specific-category authorisation with the CTR privilege, a filed mission plan and — in the zones where it is required — radio contact with the tower. Skymotion holds that authorisation and has a certified RT operator.

How far ahead should I plan a drone shoot in the Schiphol CTR?

We file the mission plan 48 hours ahead; 24 hours ahead we know which hours are approved. Plan earlier if you can, so location, closures and permits are sorted too.

Does anything change on 26 November 2026 in the Schiphol CTR?

Yes. In parts of this CTR, Specific-category flights no longer need contact with air traffic control: low (up to 45 m) in the inner ring, anywhere in the outer ring, and within 30 m of buildings. Close to the runway and higher up, RT remains required.

What frequency is the Schiphol CTR tower on?

Schiphol Tower on 119.230 MHz; also Schiphol Tower 118.105, Schiphol Tower 118.280, Schiphol Tower 135.110. CTR vertical limits: Ground to 3,000 ft (± 900 m) above sea level (airspace class C). Source: AIP Netherlands, AIRAC 10-2026. Which frequency applies on the day is set in the approved mission plan.

Can you check whether my location works?

Yes. Send the address or a pin, the date and the shot you want. We check which zone it falls in, what is needed and whether there is an easier alternative nearby.

Shooting in the Schiphol CTR?

Send your location, date and shot — we check what is needed.

Other CTRs

Pick another CTR on the map

Civil airportMilitary CTR

Click a dot for the rules and what is needed. The exact boundaries and zones of every CTR are on the GoDrone map ↗

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