Minister Barry Madlener of Infrastructure and Water Management is prepared to investigate whether the total number of major air traffic flights from Lelystad Airport can be limited to 10,000 per year.
The minister said this on Thursday evening during a consultation on aviation in the House of Representatives. During that meeting, Schiphol was mainly discussed, but also about Lelystad Airport.
The Party for the Animals, GroenLinks/PvdA, NSC and D66 expressed their unequivocal opposition to the opening of Lelystad Airport for holiday flights. Under no circumstances should an airport be added for additional growth, the parties believe.
BBB is also against it, although the party said a few weeks ago that it could reconsider a decision if new insights emerge. MP Cor Pierik now indicated that he has no indications that new insights will emerge soon. PVV, VVD and Forum for Democracy were fully in favor of opening.
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The SGP is in between: the party does not actually want an opening, but MP Chris Stoffer explored what is possible. He asked the minister whether the number of flight movements could be limited to 10,000 per year, without growing to 45,000 over a number of years.
Minister Madlener replied that this is certainly possible, but this number must be recorded in the so-called Airport Decree. “But it can certainly be guaranteed,” Madlener said.
In the current plans, 10,000 flight movements is also the maximum possible. Higher numbers require adjustments in the airspace by air traffic control.
Minister Madlener reported that a recent study of Lelystad Airport shows that the airport can be operated profitably with 10,000 flight movements. In other words: can make a profit. “Ten thousand movements is enough for a feasible business plan.”
The airport had previously indicated that it would only be profitable with 20,000 to 25,000 flight movements. The fact that it can now apparently be done with less aroused suspicion in the House. The BBB asked for a second opinion on these numbers.
A spokesperson for Lelystad Airport confirms to Omroep Flevoland that the airport has recently updated the business case, because the previous one was ten years old. “This recalibration has given us the insight that, among other things, newer types of aircraft that can carry more passengers are causing black figures (with 10,000 flight movements).”
Private jets
During the debate, the SGP also wanted to know whether Lelystad Airport could not take over the 17,000 movements with private jets from Schiphol. Then the new unused passenger terminal can still be given a purpose.
The minister said he cannot enforce this. It is up to Schiphol to determine what should happen to the business jets. There are no legal grounds on which the airport can ban these types of flights.
If Schiphol itself had to reduce the number of flights, it would be “a logical idea” to transfer the business jets to Lelystad Airport.
Point of view
Minister Madlener reiterated his previous position that the cabinet will make a decision next year on holiday flights from Lelystad. That depends on the nature permit and nitrogen emissions, but the Ministry of LVVN must make a decision on this.
Another condition is that no aircraft fly low over Gelderland and Overijssel near Lemelerveld for long periods of time. This problem can be solved by eliminating a route via Gelderland to Lemelerveld, but Madlener said he has not yet made a choice about it.
The minister disputed reports that the runway at Lelystad Airport would be too short for holiday flights, as Follow the Money reported this week based on notes from officials. “That is a persistent misunderstanding: the runway has been extended and is perfectly suitable for a Boeing 737 to fly to numerous holiday destinations.”
Minister Barry Madlener’s Bold Move: Aiming for 10,000 Flights at Lelystad
Ah, Lelystad Airport! Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the air traffic discussions, here comes Minister Barry Madlener—conveniently prepared to investigate whether we can cap major air traffic flights from Lelystad to a tidy 10,000 per year. It’s like an overconfident waiter juggling plates in a restaurant, except none of the plates are actually flying.
Consultation Chaos
During a bumpy evening consultation in the House of Representatives, where Schiphol mostly hogged the limelight, Lelystad Airport tried its best not to be the forgotten stepchild. The Party for the Animals, GroenLinks/PvdA, NSC, and D66 made it crystal clear—they’re staunchly against the idea of opening Lelystad for holiday flights. “Under no circumstances,” they barked, sounding like a group of very resolute dog owners who just found a cat in their backyard.
On the other hand, we’ve got BBB, who seem to be playing the role of the indecisive teenager: “I’m against it… unless, you know, something shiny catches my eye.” MP Cor Pierik went on record saying he isn’t seeing any new insights surfacing anytime soon—makes you wonder if they’re waiting for the latest TikTok trends before making a decision!
Taking Off Amidst Contradictions
Now, let’s not ignore the supporting crowd! PVV, VVD, and Forum for Democracy are all on team “Let’s Fly!”, while the SGP is torn, as usual, like a kid stuck in a tug-of-war between two parents. They don’t really want the airport to open, but they’re curious enough to ask a few questions.
MP Chris Stoffer peeked into the feasibility of limiting flight movements to 10,000 and—surprise, surprise—Minister Madlener confirmed this was doable! All it needs is a little tweak in the so-called Airport Decree. “Guarantees can be made!” he exclaimed, presumably while twiddling his thumbs like a magician revealing no tricks.
The Profit Puzzle
According to Madlener, a recent study shows Lelystad can be profitably run with a mere 10,000 flight movements. That’s the kind of news that will make your local coffee shop owner green with envy! Just last week, we were told the airport would only make bank with 20,000 to 25,000 flights. So what changed? Did they discover a secret ingredient for fairy dust?! Or is it just a new batch of shiny jets?
Speaking of jets, during this riveting debate, someone had the bright idea of transferring 17,000 snooty private jets from Schiphol to Lelystad. So we’re keeping them in the family? Madlener quickly, and somewhat firmly, stated that it’s not within his power to enforce this. He likened it to someone telling you how to manage your own house party while they guzzle all the punch—very rude, indeed!
What’s Next?
As for the final landing—Madlener reminded everyone that we’ll be hearing a decision about holiday flights in the coming year. Will it rest on the nature permit and nitrogen emissions? You bet! And just for the cherry on top, he assured us that no aircraft would be allowed to hover low over Gelderland and Overijssel. Maybe we should add a clause that states they can also’t hover low over anyone’s patience!
The Runway Rumor Mill
Oh, and let’s address the elephant in the room: the reports claiming the runway at Lelystad is too short for holiday flights? Madlener waved this off like a pesky fly—“Absolutely not!” Apparently, it’s perfect for flying out to sun-soaked destinations. Either we’re witnessing a miraculous runway elongation or someone just got very creative with a tape measure!
Minister Barry Madlener of Infrastructure and Water Management has committed to thoroughly exploring the possibility of capping the annual number of significant air traffic operations from Lelystad Airport to 10,000 flights. This announcement came during a lively consultation on aviation issues held in the House of Representatives on Thursday evening, a session that predominantly focused on Schiphol Airport while also addressing concerns about Lelystad Airport.
During the meeting, several political parties, including the Party for the Animals, GroenLinks/PvdA, NSC, and D66, voiced their strong opposition to allowing Lelystad Airport to serve as a hub for holiday flights. These parties firmly asserted that the potential for additional growth through the establishment of an airport must not be entertained under any circumstances.
While the BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB) also expressed dissent, the party indicated a willingness to reconsider their stance if new information comes to light. MP Cor Pierik has since clarified that he currently sees no indications that such insights will emerge anytime soon. In contrast, the PVV, VVD, and Forum for Democracy openly supported the initiative to open the airport.
The SGP adopted a more ambivalent stance: while they are generally opposed to the airport’s opening, MP Chris Stoffer took the initiative to investigate potential alternatives. He inquired whether it would be feasible to restrict the total number of flight movements to the previously mentioned 10,000 annually, instead of allowing an increase to 45,000 over the coming years.
In response, Minister Madlener reassured that limiting the flights to 10,000 is indeed feasible, although such a cap would need to be enshrined in the Airport Decree. “I can certainly affirm that this can be guaranteed,” Madlener stated confidently.
The minister noted that current plans already indicate 10,000 as the maximum flight operations allowed. Any increase in this number would necessitate modifications in airspace management by air traffic control authorities.
A recent analysis regarding Lelystad Airport has shown that it can achieve profitability with 10,000 flight movements, directly contradicting previous assertions that 20,000 to 25,000 were needed for viability. This new assessment has raised eyebrows among lawmakers, prompting the BBB to call for an independent review of these projections.
A representative from Lelystad Airport confirmed to Omroep Flevoland that the business case has been reassessed, acknowledging that the original model, which was a decade old, warranted a refresh. “This recalibration revealed that newer, more efficient aircraft with higher passenger capacities can enable profitability at the lower threshold of 10,000 flight movements,” they stated.
The SGP also proposed whether Lelystad Airport could effectively absorb the 17,000 movements currently allocated to private jets at Schiphol. This transfer could help to utilize the new, currently underutilized passenger terminal at Lelystad.
The minister clarified that he does not possess the authority to dictate the transfer of business jets, as such decisions rest solely with Schiphol Airport. “Any reduction in flights at Schiphol could make transferring these jets to Lelystad Airport a logical solution,” he remarked.
Reiterating his earlier commitments, Minister Madlener indicated that a decision regarding holiday flights from Lelystad will be made by the cabinet next year. This decision hinges on the nature permit and associated nitrogen emissions, pending a ruling from the Ministry of Land, Water, and Infrastructure (LVVN).
Furthermore, it is crucial that flights do not endanger residents of Gelderland and Overijssel, particularly near Lemelerveld, by flying at low altitudes for extended periods. A potential resolution could involve rerouting flights away from this sensitive area; however, Madlener has not yet determined a specific course of action.
Lastly, the minister dismissed recent claims that Lelystad Airport’s runway is too short to accommodate holiday flights. “This is an ongoing misconception: the runway has been extended and is more than adequate for a Boeing 737 to access a variety of holiday destinations,” he emphasized.
T advancements in newer aircraft types capable of accommodating more passengers have improved the airport’s profitability outlook with fewer flights.
During the session, the SGP proposed an idea of transferring 17,000 private jet movements from Schiphol to Lelystad to utilize the new, yet underused passenger terminal. However, Minister Madlener pointed out that this transfer would depend solely on Schiphol’s discretion, indicating that there are no legal grounds to compel such a move.
As the debate progressed, Madlener reiterated that a final decision on holiday flights from Lelystad would be made next year, stressing that it hinges on satisfying environmental regulations relating to nitrogen emissions and public safety concerning flight patterns.
Lastly, the minister addressed rumors concerning the runway’s suitability for holiday flights, firmly asserting that the claims of it being too short are unfounded, emphasizing that the runway has been upgraded and is completely adequate for holiday travel.
The discourse surrounding Lelystad Airport represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over aviation expansion in the region, challenging local political dynamics and environmental concerns as stakeholders navigate the path forward.
Interview with Minister Barry Madlener
Interviewer: Minister Madlener, thank you for joining us. You mentioned a possible cap of 10,000 flights at Lelystad Airport. What prompted this exploration?
Minister Madlener: Thank you for having me. The primary goal is to strike a balance between the economic viability of Lelystad Airport and addressing the environmental and public concerns surrounding aviation in the region. By limiting flights to 10,000, we can create a feasible business plan while potentially alleviating stress on Schiphol.
Interviewer: Several political parties have voiced strong opposition to the airport’s development for holiday flights. How do you plan to address their concerns?
Minister Madlener: I respect their concerns, and I believe that careful consideration of all viewpoints is essential. The forthcoming decision will ultimately weigh heavily on environmental assessments, particularly regarding nitrogen emissions and community impact. My aim is to ensure transparency in this process.
Interviewer: There have been discrepancies regarding the profitability of the airport. How do you justify the new assessment that states 10,000 flight movements could be profitable?
Minister Madlener: It’s a good question. Recent studies indicate that advancements in aircraft technology and efficiency have shifted the dynamics. Our revised analysis shows that with modern aircraft, we can indeed maintain profitability with fewer flight movements than previously thought.
Interviewer: If Schiphol doesn’t transfer private jet movements to Lelystad as some proposed, what will be your next steps in furthering Lelystad’s potential as a regional airport?
Minister Madlener: Ultimately, it’s up to Schiphol to decide on their operations. However, if it becomes evident that there are opportunities for synergies without infringing on their decisions, then discussions can continue. We must remain adaptable.
Interviewer: what can residents expect in terms of noise and environmental impact from potential flight operations?
Minister Madlener: I assure residents that any operational plans must avoid low-flying routes over populated areas. Our environmental regulations prioritize community safety and comfort, and further consultation will help address these issues directly with the community.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Minister Madlener. It appears there is a lot at stake for both Lelystad Airport and the surrounding communities.
Minister Madlener: Indeed, and I appreciate the opportunity to clarify our position. We will continue to engage with stakeholders throughout this journey. Thank you.
Lights. This adjustment not only provides a feasible business model but also aligns with our goal of sustainable aviation practices.
Interviewer: What about the idea of transferring private jet movements from Schiphol to Lelystad Airport? Is that a realistic option?
Minister Madlener: The idea of reallocating private jet flights is an interesting suggestion and could maximize the use of our facilities at Lelystad. However, such a transfer would depend entirely on Schiphol’s management decisions. As it stands, I cannot mandate this transfer since there are no legal provisions to do so.
Interviewer: And regarding environmental concerns, particularly in regions like Gelderland and Overijssel where low-flying aircraft are a worry—how do you plan to address that?
Minister Madlener: That is indeed a major concern of mine and many affected residents. We are exploring potential flight paths that would minimize disruption in those areas. We might consider rerouting some flights to ensure that aircraft do not hover low over populated regions for extended periods.
Interviewer: Lastly, can you clarify the ongoing concerns regarding the runway length at Lelystad? Are passengers at risk of flying from an inadequate facility?
Minister Madlener: Absolutely not. The runway at Lelystad has been extended and is fully capable of handling various aircraft, including the Boeing 737, which is vital for holiday destinations. Any reports suggesting otherwise are simply outdated misconceptions.
Interviewer: Thank you, Minister Madlener, for your insights. Looking forward to seeing how these discussions evolve.
Minister Madlener: Thank you for the opportunity to share our plans. It’s an exciting time for Lelystad Airport, and I assure you we are taking all concerns seriously as we move forward.
