The Netherlands’ Lelystad Airport could open to commercial flights as early as 2027, according to a plan outlined by the country’s new coalition government.
The Dutch government – a coalition between the liberal D66 party, the centre-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) – on 30 January introduced its 2026–2030 coalition agreement. This plan includes ambitious objectives, such as opening the general aviation airport in Lelystad to both commercial and military use.
Located in Flevoland province about 55 kilometres northeast of Amsterdam Schiphol, Lelystad Airport first received approval to expand its operations in 2015. However, development was delayed due to environmental concerns. It is currently used for pilot training, medical flights, recreational flying and aircraft maintenance, recording 81,772 aircraft movements in 2025.
Following prior cabinet approval in 2015, the airport's runway was extended in 2017 to accommodate large narrow-body aircraft such as Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 jets. Construction of a 12,000-square-metre passenger terminal is also well underway.
Once fully operational, the airport is expected to handle up to 10,000 commercial flights a year, or approximately 14 flights a day. Flights will operate from 6:00am to 11:00pm – night and cargo flights will not be permitted, according to the airport’s website.
Construction of Lelystad Airport's new passenger terminal is well underway Credit: Lelystad Airport
Following the government announcement on Friday, Lelystad Airport CEO Jan Eerkens said: "This decision is the starting signal for us to get started as quickly as possible: together with the ministry of defence, infrastructure and water management, air traffic control, the province, municipalities, airlines and our local community, we will realise the airport's actual opening as soon as possible,” he said in a statement that pointed to 2027 as the target date for its first commercial flight.
“Naturally, we will do this carefully, within all legal requirements, and we believe it is important to continue involving our neighbours in the development of Lelystad Airport,” Eerkens added.
The coalition’s decision comes as the Netherlands’ hub airport Amsterdam Schiphol is due to have its annual capacity cut from 500,000 to 478,000 flights from the start of the current 2025-26 winter season.
European airport body ACI Europe welcomed the Lelystad Airport announcement, labelling it “a necessary and strategic step to safeguard the Netherlands’ connectivity, competitiveness and regional development”.
The decision will enable the Dutch aviation system to “better meet current and future demand, while supporting economic growth, territorial cohesion and resilience through dual civil-military use”, ACI Europe said.
The coalition government has also committed to adopting a ‘European flight tax’ that will be in line with other countries in the EU. This would replace its current national flight levy, which has drawn criticism from industry groups as being among the highest in the region.
“It is positive that this coalition confirms that aviation taxes should be equal across all EU countries,” said Dutch flag carrier KLM. “We therefore expect a swift first step to align the Dutch aviation tax at least with that of Germany. This is necessary to remain competitive with neighbouring countries.”
Both Amsterdam Schiphol and Lelystad Airport are operated by the Royal Schiphol Group.