Royal Schiphol Group wants to double its stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport from 40% to 80%. The proposed transaction would give it majority control, while the Province of Limburg would retain 20%.
The offer was announced on 5 November and remains subject to provincial approval and final agreements. It is not a completed takeover, and the announcement does not itself change passengers' bookings or airlines' schedules.
Schiphol has been a shareholder since 2023. Maastricht Aachen is primarily a cargo airport, with expertise in time-sensitive goods such as flowers and pharmaceuticals, alongside flights to European holiday destinations.
A wider airport network
The airport handled about 41,600 tonnes of cargo and 159,000 passengers in 2025. Its role therefore differs from that of a large passenger hub: freight operations and regional accessibility are central to the ownership proposal.
There is also a practical passenger connection. During Eindhoven Airport's temporary closure in 2027, Maastricht is expected to accommodate part of its traffic, including flights serving holiday destinations in Spain, Portugal and Greece.
For travellers, ownership and routes are separate questions. A larger Schiphol stake would not automatically mean a new flight from a particular city; the relevant airline's timetable and departure airport remain the booking details to check.
The next step is consideration by Limburg's Provincial Council. The two shareholders still need to settle the proposal and additional agreements before the planned majority stake can take effect.
