Newly released data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reveals a surge in passenger numbers at major Dutch airports. The aviation industry is showing signs of a robust recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, with passenger traffic significantly rebounding. However, Groningen Airport Eelde stands out as a notable exception, experiencing little to no growth.
The CBS report examined passenger statistics at five airports of national importance in the Netherlands: Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Eindhoven Airport, Maastricht Aachen Airport, and Groningen Airport Eelde. While the first four saw a notable increase in passenger numbers, Eelde’s figures remained virtually unchanged. In the second quarter of 2024, Eelde recorded 28,619 passengers, a slight decrease from 28,646 in the same period in 2023.
Eelde attributes its stagnant growth to its smaller size. A spokesperson noted that larger airports typically recover more swiftly from downturns like the one caused by the pandemic. “Growth usually first appears at larger airports after a dip,” the spokesperson told RTV Noord. This trend poses a challenge for smaller airports like Eelde in attracting more passengers.
In response, Groningen Airport Eelde is seeking to extend its operational hours. The airport has applied for a permit to lengthen its opening hours, with approval expected in 2025. The airport anticipates that extended hours will allow for more efficient aircraft operations, potentially bringing in additional flights and passengers. “We are optimistic that this adjustment will help us reverse the trend,” the spokesperson added.
