Schiphol Group seeks 80% stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport

Royal Schiphol Group (RSG) has announced that it intends to increase its stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport (MAA) from 40% to 80% and has made an offer to the Province of Limburg to acquire the additional shareholding. The move would allow RSG to take greater responsibility for the airport's further development. The Province of Limburg will remain a shareholder with a 20% stake. The proposed increase is subject to further decision-making and the finalisation of agreements between the parties.

Royal Schiphol Group has held a 40% stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport since 2023. In addition to MAA, the group owns and operates Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Lelystad Airport, while holding a majority stake in Eindhoven Airport.

As the Netherlands' second-largest cargo airport, Maastricht Aachen Airport plays an important role in the regional and national economy. It specialises in handling vulnerable and time-sensitive cargo, including flowers and pharmaceuticals. The airport also operates passenger services to several European destinations, supporting connectivity, employment and economic activity across Limburg and the wider Euroregion.

In 2025, Maastricht Aachen Airport handled approximately 41,600 tonnes of air cargo and 159,000 passengers. Beyond cargo and passenger operations, the airport also supports logistics activities and aircraft maintenance. It also provides opportunities to further develop and test emerging technologies, including electric aviation, in real-world operating conditions.

“Maastricht Aachen Airport has a clear and distinctive position within the Dutch airport system, particularly in the area of cargo operations. We believe in the airport’s potential and see opportunities to further strengthen that position. With our knowledge and experience as an airport operator, we can work together with Maastricht Aachen Airport and the Province of Limburg to build a strong, financially healthy and future-proof airport,” said Robert Carsouw, CFO, Royal Schiphol Group.

Maastricht Aachen Airport is part of the wider Dutch airport network, with each airport contributing to the country's connectivity through its own operational role and expertise. MAA's primary strength lies in cargo operations, alongside its passenger services. The airports can also support one another when required. This cooperation will be demonstrated in 2027, when Maastricht Aachen Airport will accommodate some of the air traffic during the temporary closure of Eindhoven Airport. During this period, several European holiday destinations, including Alicante, Málaga, Faro, Crete, Rhodes and Tenerife, will be served from Maastricht.

“By acquiring a majority stake, Royal Schiphol Group demonstrates its commitment as a shareholder that recognises both the successful future of Maastricht Aachen Airport and the airport’s importance to the region, as well as to the broader Dutch aviation system. Royal Schiphol Group has the expertise, experience and network to make this a reality. Naturally, we as the Province of Limburg will remain actively involved and, as a minority shareholder, continue to support the transition of Maastricht Aachen Airport towards a sustainable, future-proof and community-conscious airport,” said Deputy Governor Stephan Satijn, Pronvince of Limburg.

The Province of Limburg will retain a 20% stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport, ensuring its continued involvement in the airport's operations and development. This will help maintain the airport's strong regional ties while allowing the province to safeguard local and public interests. With Royal Schiphol Group becoming the majority shareholder, MAA will also be able to draw on the group's expertise, experience and wider airport network to support its future development.

“The proposed expansion of Royal Schiphol Group's stake is a clear confirmation of its confidence in the future of Maastricht Aachen Airport. Having been a shareholder since 2023, Royal Schiphol Group knows the airport well and is actively involved in its development. In recent years, the Province of Limburg has laid a solid foundation for Maastricht Aachen Airport. If the Provincial States approve the proposal, Royal Schiphol Group, as the majority shareholder, can build on this foundation and leverage its expertise to further develop the airport in a future-proof and environmentally conscious manner for the benefit of Limburg and the Netherlands,” said Frans Weekers, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Maastricht Aachen Airport.

The proposed increase in Royal Schiphol Group's stake will be submitted to the Provincial Council of Limburg for approval. In the coming period, both parties will continue to refine the proposal and work towards finalising the necessary agreements.