Royal Schiphol Group seeks to increase its stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport
Royal Schiphol Group (RSG) intends to increase its stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport (MAA) from 40 to 80 percent. To this end, Royal Schiphol Group has made an offer to the Province of Limburg. By acquiring a larger stake, Royal Schiphol Group aims to take greater responsibility for the further development of Maastricht Aachen Airport The Province of Limburg will remain a shareholder with a 20 percent stake. The proposed increase remains subject to further decision-making and final agreements.
Royal Schiphol Group has been a 40 percent shareholder in Maastricht Aachen Airport since 2023. Besides this airport, the group owns and operates Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and Lelystad Airport, and holds a majority stake in Eindhoven Airport. As the Netherlands’ second-largest cargo airport, Maastricht Aachen Airport plays an important role for both Limburg and the Netherlands. The airport has specific expertise and experience in handling vulnerable and time-critical cargo, such as flowers and pharmaceuticals. In addition, passenger flights depart from Maastricht to various European destinations. In doing so, the airport contributes to the accessibility, employment and economy of Limburg and the Euroregion.
In 2025, Maastricht Aachen Airport handled approximately 41,600 tonnes of air cargo and 159,000 passengers. The airport also accommodates activities such as logistics operations and aircraft maintenance. In addition, Maastricht Aachen Airport offers opportunities to further develop and test innovations such as electric aviation in practice.
Airports strengthening one another
Maastricht Aachen Airport forms part of the broader Dutch airport system, in which each airport contributes to the accessibility of the Netherlands through its own role and expertise. For Maastricht Aachen Airport, this strength lies primarily in cargo operations, alongside its passenger flights. At the same time, airports can support one another when needed. This will become tangible in 2027; during the temporary closure of Eindhoven Airport, Maastricht Aachen Airport will accommodate part of the air traffic. Various European holiday destinations will then be served from Maastricht, including Alicante, Málaga, Faro, Crete, Rhodes and Tenerife.
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.
Together with the Province of Limburg
The Province of Limburg will remain a 20 percent shareholder and therefore closely involved with Maastricht Aachen Airport. This ensures that the airport remains firmly rooted in the region and that the province continues to be involved in the regional and public interests surrounding Maastricht Aachen Airport. With Royal Schiphol Group as majority shareholder, Maastricht Aachen Airport can further benefit from the knowledge, experience and network within the airport group.
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.
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.
The proposed increase in the shareholding will be submitted to the Provincial Council of Limburg for approval. Over the coming period, Royal Schiphol Group and the Province of Limburg will further develop the proposal and make additional agreements.