Schiphol airport is taking legal action against the owners of a large solar farm near one of its runways, arguing that reflections from the panels pose a danger to aircraft.

In March, the airport was forced to close its Polderbaan runway for several hours a day after dozens of pilots reported being dazzled by glare from the panels. This, the airport said, represents an “unacceptable risk to safety”.

The same problem is expected to recur in August, leading to further disruption to flight schedules and more noise for local residents, the Telegraaf reported. Schiphol hopes the court will order the solar farm’s owners to remove the panels as soon as possible.

Talks with Groene Energie Corridor, Haarlemmermeer council and the infrastructure ministry have failed to resolve the issue, the paper said. The local council had been warned about potential risks but went ahead with licensing the farm regardless.

The solar installation runs alongside the A9 motorway between Rottepolderplein and the village of Zwanenburg and spans around 100 hectares.