Air Force One Uses Unusual Approach at Schiphol Ahead of NATO Summit
While most government aircraft arriving for the NATO summit (June 24 and 25) landed on Schiphol’s Zwanenburgbaan runway 18C-36C, with a few exceptions using the Oostbaan, Air Force One with President Trump on board, followed a different path.
The iconic Boeing VC-25A initially lined up for the closed by construction Buitenveldertbaan 09-27 before executing a break-off maneuver and diverting to land on the Kaagbaan 24-06. 15 minutes later followed by Boeing C-32A 09-0015 with U.S. Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Defence.
Boeing C-32A 09-0015 USAF | Rob Vogelaar
Preparations for the high-profile visit had already begun days earlier. On Thursday June 19, two U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft delivered a pair of VH-3D Sea King helicopters to Amsterdam. These helicopters, part of the Marine One fleet, play a key role in presidential transport.
Sikorsky VH-3D Sea King Marine One at Schiphol East | Rob Vogelaar
On Saturday June 21, the logistics operation continued with the arrival of three additional C-17s at Schiphol. These aircraft carried support vehicles for the U.S. Secret Service, including the heavily armored presidential limousine known as “The Beast”.
The extensive coordination and unusual flight paths underscored the scale and complexity of hosting a visit from a sitting U.S. president. Schiphol temporarily transformed into a hub of international security and aviation logistics, highlighting the global attention surrounding the NATO summit.
Runways Amsterdam Schiphol | Schiphol24
Photos Rob Vogelaar
