Minister Mark Harbers of Infrastructure and Water Management does not see it happening that Groningen Airport Eelde (GAE) will take over flights from Schiphol. If it is up to the minister, Lelystad Airport must do so from next year.
The government believes that Schiphol should downsize to reduce pollution and noise nuisance. Some of the flights will then be moved. GAE has been trying to land some of those flights in recent months, but to no avail. The restrictions on the opening hours of the Drenthe airport were a stumbling block.
Nevertheless, GAE continues to look for ways to make additional flights possible. VVD member Daniel Koerhuis wants Eelde, as well as Maastricht Aachen Airport, to be given a helping hand. According to the Member of Parliament, this should be done by switching to one Dutch airport system. “For me, this means that Schiphol will take a large stake in Maastricht and Eelde and will also invest in the regional airports,” said Koerhuis last night during a parliamentary committee.
His party colleague Harbers believes that the Eelde region itself should help. As a so-called overflow airport for Schiphol, the minister is focusing on Lelystad Airport. “The other regional airports must primarily serve the regional interest. I therefore do not immediately see a role as an overflow airport for these airports,” the minister explains.
The cabinet will decide on the opening of Lelystad Airport in 2024. Before the airport can actually open its doors, a nature permit must first be obtained. Due to the nitrogen problem, Lelystad Airport did not receive this earlier this year.