News item | 31-10-2025 | 10:35
The air force continues to use Groningen Airport Eelde. The number of aircraft movements increases to approximately 790 per year. This is laid down in the ‘Regulations for military airport air traffic at other civil airports of national significance’. This will come into effect on November 1.
The scheme was drawn up by the Ministries of Infrastructure, Water Management and Defense. This took into account 110 responses to the internet consultation that took place in the summer.
The majority of the responses concerned requests for more explanation about the scheme. Furthermore, local residents expressed concerns about the quality of their living environment if Defense started flying more. Previously there was a maximum of 400 movements. There were also positive reactions. Local residents indicated that they saw the importance of Defense being able to fly and practice.
The reason for the arrangement is the new Airport Decree for Groningen airport. According to the Aviation Act, there must be a separate regulation for military shared use. This must comply with the limit values and other rules in the Airport Decree. Consider the opening hours and noise levels. This arrangement is separate from the National Space Defense Program (NPRD).
Humanitarian emergency aid
It is very important to also open civilian airports to military personnel. They have tasks in deploying aircraft that provide emergency humanitarian aid. But also for government flights, operational flights and readiness exercises. In addition, this may involve Defense missions, (support of) flights in an alliance context and support of the Special Interventions Service of the police.
Fighter aircraft
The use of military fighter aircraft is not covered by the regulations. The F-35 cannot therefore take off or land at Eelde, except in the case of emergency or precautionary landings. Practice and training flights with aircraft heavier than 6,000 kilograms are also not permitted. This also applies to practice and training flights with jet aircraft.
Read more in the ‘Military airport air traffic regulations at other civil airports of national significance‘.
See here submitted responses with answers in the main report.