Antwerp Airport Faces Severe Financial Struggles
Antwerp Airport is grappling with significant financial difficulties, as revealed in its recent annual report. The Deurne-based facility reported an alarming net loss of 658,000 euros last year, a notable increase from 81,000 euros in 2023, raising cumulative losses to 2.3 million euros. The airport’s operational profit plunged nearly 900,000 euros into the red, and its debt has now reached 9.9 million euros, reports 24brussels.
Despite generating stable revenue and deferring certain costs, Antwerp Airport remains heavily reliant on financial aid from the Flemish government and its French parent company, Egis. Management acknowledged the need for ongoing government support, stating that while cash flow is stable, it is essential for navigating continual crises.
The situation has prompted Flemish government party Vooruit to demand an end to subsidies for the airport. Kris Verduyckt, the group leader for Vooruit in the Flemish Parliament, expressed doubts about the airport’s viability, noting a drastic decline in annual passenger numbers from 300,000 pre-COVID to just 200,000 currently. Unlike other regional airports like Oostende, Antwerp has failed to attract significant cargo traffic to bolster its income.
“We are burning up resources on airports that barely attract people but cost the taxpayer a lot of money,”
Verduyckt further stated, “We should provide schools, public transport, healthcare, but I don’t think Flanders should provide planes from every big city.” This skepticism toward Antwerp Airport reflects broader concerns about the financial sustainability of regional airports in Flanders. Although Ostend Airport recorded a profit last year, it too is witnessing declines in revenue, amidst stagnant air freight and passenger numbers.
As the airport’s future hangs in the balance, the pressure mounts on local authorities to reassess investment in infrastructure that struggles to serve its community effectively.
