Antwerp – Vooruit, led by Kris Verduyckt, has announced plans to cease subsidies for Antwerp’s Deurne Airport. The decision stems from a reported loss of €658,000 for 2024 and a significant decline in passenger numbers, with only 208,000 users expected, coupled with minimal cargo operations and a lack of economic return, reports 24brussels.
VRT News indicates that Vooruit, part of the Flemish government, considers Deurne Airport no longer beneficial for Flanders. The airport’s operator, LEM Antwerpen, has increasingly depended on these subsidies, highlighting its struggle to attract sufficient traffic. Passenger figures prior to the COVID-19 pandemic exceeded 300,000 annually; now, that number seems insufficient to justify continued public investment.
What’s next for Antwerp’s Deurne airport amid subsidy debate?
Deurne Airport is one of three regional airports owned by the Flemish Region, alongside Ostend and Kortrijk. While the government maintains the airport’s infrastructure, operations fall under the purview of private firms. Currently, Egis manages Deurne Airport, which requires ongoing subsidies.
Vooruit’s stance increases the pressure on the Flemish government to reassess transport funding. Proponents argue that Deurne is vital for business travel and smaller aircraft, yet internal critics within Vooruit contend that public funds are being misallocated.
Supporters have stated,
“We’re currently wasting resources on airports that barely attract any visitors, but cost taxpayers a lot of money. Our party has always advocated for reducing funding, and we negotiated this in the coalition agreement.”
According to officials, the ongoing discourse about Deurne Airport intensifies scrutiny over the continuance of subsidies. With scant cargo shipping, limited routes, and dwindling passenger traffic, advocates face growing challenges to justify these expenditures when Ostend–Bruges Airport continues to manage a significant volume of freight.
Critics emphasize that the current financial model is unsustainable in light of the economic return, while supporters note Deurne’s importance for business flights and local transport connections. Flemish Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder (N-VA) is currently on leave and has not commented, indicating that discussions will resume during the next governmental session.
“Flanders must provide schools, public transport, and healthcare, but not planes from every major city.”
Kris Verduyckt, faction leader Vooruit in the Flemish Parliament, underscores the need for prioritization in public spending.
What is the future of Deurne airport amid rising subsidies and falling traffic?
A 2023 study by the Flemish government examined the economic contributions of its three regional airports. It revealed that for each euro generated by Deurne Airport, approximately three euros in subsidies are required from the Flemish Region. Vooruit asserts that this disparity has widened due to declining passenger counts alongside rising subsidy demands.
Historically significant, Deurne Airport has primarily catered to business and private flights. However, following the pandemic, its traffic has sharply decreased. The ongoing debate raises critical questions regarding the justification for continuing public funding, especially as pressures mount to allocate resources to other pressing local needs, amid the backdrop of diminishing passenger numbers and increasing governmental financial support.
