Schiphol Group is moving ahead with plans to develop Lelystad Airport in order to maintain Amsterdam Airport Schiphol’s function as a leading global transfer hub – allowing regional European traffic to grow from the other gateway.

 

In a statement the group says: “The economic development of Mainport Schiphol is of vital importance to the Netherlands. In order to accommodate selective growth at AMS, Lelystad Airport is required to undergo a phased development.” The airport is located in the north east of the Netherlands and is a 45 minute drive from Amsterdam city.

 

The programme (see table below for the schedule) has been set out in a business plan with agreement from relevant parties. Schiphol Group says that the revamped Lelystad Airport, which will be developed in phases, should be ready to open in 2018.

 

A LOW-COST HUB?

Lelystad Airport will accommodate flights to European cities and regions, focusing on tourist destinations, suggesting point-to-point traffic and a potential hub for low-cost carriers.

 

“The development of Lelystad Airport is important for the growth of Mainport Schiphol,” comments Jos Nijhuis (left), CEO of Schiphol Group. “This investment will enable Schiphol to remain a competitive international Mainport in a competitive region.”

 

Both Lelystad and Eindhoven airports will support the growth of AMS as an alternative for non-Mainport related air traffic, and accommodate up to 70,000 air transport movements annually

 

According to Schiphol Group “regional capacity must be available if Schiphol reaches 90% of the set 510,000 air transport movements” a level at which it has been agreed with the government in principal that other infrastructure needs to be implemented.

 

Schiphol Groups says: “Market research shows that consumers are sufficiently interested in taking holiday flights from Lelystad Airport, provided that the air fares are competitive and the destinations offered are comparable to those of other regional airports.

 

“By providing financial incentives and excellent facilities coupled with low airport charges, Schiphol Group anticipates that Lelystad Airport will provide an attractive alternative for airlines.”

 

Financially, Schiphol Group expects to achieve viable airport operations from 2028 (with around 16,000 air transport movements and 2.4m passengers annually). The investments and start-up losses are expected to be recouped by 2035 based on normal payback periods for capital-intensive investments in airport and other infrastructure projects.

 

Schiphol Group has submitted its business plan to the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment and applied for an Airport Decree which will be discussed by the Dutch parliament. The Airport Decree is required to undertake the intended development and operation of Lelystad Airport and is expected to be issued in November.