Royal Schiphol Group Plans to Double Its Stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport to 80%

Royal Schiphol Group has submitted an offer to the Province of Limburg to increase its ownership of Maastricht Aachen Airport (MAA) from 40% to 80%. The proposed transaction would make the airport operator the majority shareholder, while the province would retain a 20% interest.

The move is intended to strengthen Royal Schiphol Group's involvement in the airport's future development, drawing on its operational expertise, resources and wider aviation network. However, the transaction has not yet been finalised and remains subject to approval and further agreements between the parties.

Building on an Existing Partnership

Royal Schiphol Group first acquired a 40% stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport in 2023, establishing a partnership with the Province of Limburg.

The proposed increase would expand the group's responsibilities at MAA and create further opportunities for cooperation across the Dutch airport network.

Royal Schiphol Group's portfolio includes Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Lelystad Airport, as well as a majority shareholding in Eindhoven Airport.

Under the proposed ownership structure, the Province of Limburg would continue to participate in the airport's strategic development, safeguarding regional interests while benefiting from the resources and experience of a larger airport operator.

Maastricht Aachen Airport's Role in Dutch Aviation

As the Netherlands' second-largest cargo airport, Maastricht Aachen Airport provides important infrastructure for international freight transport, particularly for specialised shipments requiring careful handling or rapid delivery.

Its cargo operations include temperature-sensitive and time-critical products such as pharmaceuticals and flowers. The airport also serves passenger routes to European destinations and supports regional economic activity through logistics, aviation services and aircraft maintenance.

During 2025, MAA recorded approximately 41,600 tonnes of air freight and 159,000 passengers.

Beyond its existing operations, the airport has potential to support the development and practical testing of emerging aviation technologies, including electric aircraft.

These activities contribute to employment, regional connectivity and economic development across Limburg and the surrounding Euroregion.

Supporting Eindhoven Airport During Its 2027 Closure

Cooperation between Dutch regional airports will become particularly relevant in 2027, when Eindhoven Airport temporarily closes.

During this period, Maastricht Aachen Airport is expected to handle a portion of the displaced air traffic, maintaining connections to several European holiday destinations.

Planned routes from Maastricht include Alicante, Málaga, Faro, Crete, Rhodes and Tenerife.

This arrangement demonstrates how airports within the wider Dutch aviation network can complement one another, using their respective infrastructure and operational capabilities to maintain connectivity during temporary disruptions.

Next Steps for the Proposed Acquisition

Before the ownership change can proceed, the proposal must receive approval from the Provincial Council of Limburg.

Royal Schiphol Group and the province will continue discussions to establish the final terms and arrangements governing the expanded shareholding.

If approved, the transaction would give Royal Schiphol Group a greater role in shaping Maastricht Aachen Airport's operational and financial development, while maintaining the province's involvement in regional priorities.

The proposed partnership aims to support the airport's long-term financial stability, environmental responsibilities and position within the Netherlands' aviation infrastructure.

Source