Navigating the NATO Summit: The Hague's Traffic Management Strategy for June 2025

Cities around the world are used to hosting major events and (given the right amount of notice) are able to plan for them for months, perhaps even years in advance.

Last year Intertraffic ran a story that looked at how cities coped with the Taylor Swift Eras Tour circus passing through town, how Paris used smart city strategies to manage the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and how German cities were able to deal with 24 sets of international football supporters for the UEFA European Championships. 

(Credit: NATO HQ by Gints Ivuskans /Dreamstime.com)

Now, as The Hague prepares to host the NATO Summit from June 24 to 26, the city faces the formidable task of accommodating an influx of approximately 8,500 attendees, including 45 heads of state, ministers, and 2,000 journalists. This event, the first NATO Summit in the Netherlands since the alliance's founding in 1949, necessitates unprecedented security and logistical measures, particularly concerning traffic management. Taylor Swift is one thing – 45 world leaders is something else entirely. 

The Hague faces the formidable task of accommodating an influx of approximately 8,500 attendees, including 45 heads of state, ministers, and 2,000 journalists

In April the City of the Hague issued advice to work from home as much as possible from Monday 23 to Thursday 26 June 2025, not to travel during rush hour and to use public transport to ensure that the Hague region as a whole remains as accessible as possible. The city is clearly taking the honour of hosting the summit seriously.

With city officials unable to comment on the specific details of their traffic management strategy (understandably), Intertraffic 
presents a look at what needs to be considered when playing host to some of the most important human beings on earth.

(Credit: NATO Summit road closures / City of the Hague)

Extensive Road Closures and Infrastructure Modifications

Central to the summit's venue, the World Forum, Johan de Wittlaan - a major thoroughfare in The Hague - has been closed since April 14 and will remain inaccessible until early August. This closure facilitates the construction of temporary structures and security installations, requiring the removal of trees, streetlights, and other infrastructure elements. The extended closure aims to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the summit but significantly impacts local traffic patterns. 

(Credit: Johan de Wittlaan / City of the Hague)
 

Central to the summit's venue, the World Forum, Johan de Wittlaan - a major thoroughfare in The Hague - has been closed since April 14 and will remain inaccessible until early August

Anticipated Traffic Disruptions and Public Concerns

The closure of Johan de Wittlaan and surrounding areas is expected to divert traffic into adjacent residential neighborhoods, raising concerns about congestion and safety on streets not designed for heavy traffic. Local residents, particularly in the Statenkwartier district, have expressed apprehension regarding the potential for overwhelmed infrastructure and increased risk of accidents. 
 

Comprehensive Security Measures and Police Deployment

The Dutch government plans to deploy 27,000 police officers (half of the entire force) nationwide for the summit, making it the largest security operation in the country's history. Officers will be stationed in The Hague, at Schiphol Airport, and along transport routes between the airport, hotels, and conference venues. Specialized units, including mobile units, security units, reconnaissance teams, and motorcycle officers, will be involved in escorting delegations and securing key locations. To ensure adequate staffing, police leave will be restricted during the summit period and municipalities have been requested to limit other public events during this time. 
 

(Credit: NATO Summit Proposed road closure map/City of the Hague)
 

The Dutch government plans to deploy 27,000 police officers (half of the entire force) nationwide for the summit, making it the largest security operation in the country's history

This directive has led to the cancellation or rescheduling of various community events across the Netherlands . Organizations such as schools and healthcare providers near the conference site have been informed about potential disruptions and are advised to plan accordingly.

Airspace Restrictions and Flight Reductions
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport will reduce flight operations by 25-30% between June 21 and 27. This reduction accommodates airspace restrictions over The Hague and the allocation of runways for parking private jets used by summit attendees. The closure of the Buitenveldertbaan runway for maintenance during this period further exacerbates flight disruptions - consequently, approximately 100,000 passengers may face cancellations or rescheduling during this period.
 

Public Communication and Accessibility Planning
The municipality of The Hague is actively informing residents, commuters and travellers about expected disruptions. While specific details are still forthcoming with seven weeks to go at the time of writing, updates will be provided through official channels to assist in navigation and planning during the summit. 
 

(Credit: NATO Summit public information meeting /City of the Hague))

A dedicated website provides updates on road closures, public transport alterations, and other relevant information to help the public navigate the city during this period.

Not everyone is happy
Hosting such high-profile events often leads to significant urban disruptions. For instance, during the 2024 Paris Olympics, extensive security measures included closed metro stations and restricted zones, prompting some Parisiens to temporarily leave the city.  Similarly, Melbourne, Australia has faced challenges balancing the right to protest with maintaining city functionality during large-scale demonstrations.

In The Hague, while the summit presents logistical challenges, it also offers economic opportunities for local businesses and elevates the city's international profile. Authorities aim to balance security needs with minimising disruptions to daily life.
 

During the 2024 Paris Olympics, extensive security measures included closed metro stations and restricted zones, prompting some Parisiens to temporarily leave the city

(Credit: NATO Summit road closures/City of the Hague)

Playing host to the NATO Summit presents the City of The Hague with significant challenges in traffic management and security coordination. However, through extensive planning, infrastructure modifications, and public communication, the city aims to ensure the summit's success while minimising disruptions to daily life. The collaborative efforts of municipal authorities, national agencies, and local organizations are critical in navigating this unparalleled complex logistical undertaking.