Posted: 3 February 2026 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet

ACI Europe has welcomed the Dutch Government’s decision to open Lelystad Airport, strengthening connectivity, competitiveness and long term airport capacity in the Netherlands.

Credit: lelystad airport

ACI EUROPE has welcomed the Dutch Government’s decision to open Lelystad Airport to commercial flights, calling it a strategic step to safeguard national 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. It also comes as European airports face mounting capacity constraints amid sustained traffic growth and rising infrastructure pressures.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, said that allowing commercial operations at Lelystad Airport would deliver significant socio economic benefits at both local and regional level. He highlighted research showing that every 10 percent increase in air connectivity generates a 0.5 percent rise in GDP per capita and a 1.6 percent increase in employment.

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Jankovec added that the decision sends an important signal for Europe’s competitiveness at a time when global competitors are expanding airport capacity, while Europe faces an acute infrastructure shortfall. Recent research by the Boston Consulting Group shows that Europe’s cumulative airport capacity gap could reach 590 million passengers by 2030.

The research also indicates that more than 70 percent of larger European airports are already operating at or above capacity, while rising construction costs, ESG related policies and limited visibility on investment returns are constraining expansion. Without action, between €45 and €75 billion of industry value could be at risk over the next 20 years.

ACI EUROPE said the opening of Lelystad Airport demonstrates how targeted capacity development can help protect long term connectivity and economic resilience. The association stressed that unlocking full value will require coordinated action from airports, airlines, regulators, investors and public authorities to align infrastructure development with future demand.

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Airport development, Capacity, Economy, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Regulation and Legislation, Sustainability, Tourism, Workforce

Lelystad Airport (LEY)

ACI Europe, Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

Europe

Olivier Jankovec