Air traffic management is complex and requires tight coordination between procedures, controllers, and flight crews. Instrument approach procedures aim to ensure predictability and smooth transitions to landing, with stabilised approaches at their core—where aircraft follow a defined path at the correct speed and configuration. This reduces workload and supports efficient sequencing.
Despite these procedures, deviations still occur. These can be Non-Compliant Approaches (NCA), where procedural rules aren’t fully met, or Non-Stabilised Approaches (NSA), where trajectory or configuration can’t be maintained. NCAs often lead to NSAs, increasing workload and reducing predictability.
This study investigates whether the final approach routes to runways 18R and 18C at Schiphol allow aircraft to meet published requirements at the Final Approach Fix. Using historical trajectory data, it explores whether atypical approaches result from route design limitations or operational factors. The goal is to identify root causes and offer insights to improve safety and efficiency.