The Northern Netherlands has been trying to make Groningen Airport Eelde economically viable for decades. The only international airport in the North was becoming increasingly popular among passengers before the Coronavirus, but the numbers of passengers were still not profitable.

Until now, local governments have had to subsidise the airport by millions each year. The provincial government of Drenthe is now offering a good solution in its view: make the airport part of the Schiphol group.

“For the healthy operation of Groningen Airport Eelde, it is important that the Northern airport becomes part of the Schiphol Group”. Drenthe is going to urge the cabinet to adjust its draft Aviation Note on this point. As reported by the Asser Courant.

Provincial Executive Cees Bijl (PvdA) wants to work together with Maastricht airport to change the cabinet’s mind.

The Aviation Note from the government states that it is not necessary or desirable for Eelde and Maastricht to unite with Schiphol. But Drenthe want to change that position.