- Royal Schiphol Group (RSG) intends to increase its stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) from 40 percent to 80 percent.
- MST has recently positioned itself within the Dutch aviation market as ‘Schiphol’s seventh runway,’ and has invested in its cargo handling and airfreight facilities to complement the gateway. Its proximity to the Aalsmeer flower auction and other prominent transport links has continually strengthened its proposition as an alternative cargo hub.
- “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 sound, and future-proof airport,” Robert Carsouw, CFO Royal Schiphol Group stated.
The Dutch airport operator has offered €4.2 million to increase its shareholding from 40% to 80%, positioning Maastricht Aachen Airport for further development as the Netherlands’ second-largest cargo airport. The Province of Limburg would retain a 20% stake, with the proposal subject to political approval and final agreements.
Royal Schiphol Group (RSG) has proposed increasing its ownership in Maastricht Aachen Airport from 40% to 80%, taking a majority stake in the Dutch regional airport and assuming greater responsibility for its future development.
The airport group has submitted an offer to the Province of Limburg, which currently holds the remaining 60% shareholding. Under the proposal, Royal Schiphol Group would acquire an additional 40% stake for €4.2 million, while the province would retain a 20% minority interest.
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Announced on 5 November 2026, the proposal is intended to strengthen Maastricht Aachen Airport’s position within the Dutch aviation network, particularly its cargo operations. The transaction is not yet final and requires approval by the Provincial Council of Limburg, alongside further negotiations and definitive agreements between the parties.
The proposed change in ownership reflects Royal Schiphol Group’s ambition to take a more active role in developing the airport as a complementary facility within the Netherlands’ wider airport system.
Strengthening the Netherlands’ second-largest cargo airport
Maastricht Aachen Airport occupies an important position in the Dutch air cargo market, specialising in the handling of vulnerable and time-critical shipments, including flowers and pharmaceuticals.
Located in the southern Netherlands, the airport benefits from access to important European road freight networks and logistics centres. Its location also provides connectivity to the wider Benelux and German markets.
Royal Schiphol Group has highlighted the airport’s distinct cargo capabilities and its potential to complement Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
According to the group, Maastricht Aachen Airport handled approximately 41,600 tonnes of air cargo and 159,000 passengers in 2025, demonstrating its contribution to regional and national transport infrastructure.
The airport’s cargo specialisation, logistics activities and aircraft maintenance operations provide a foundation for further development.
€4.2 million offer comes with conditions
Under the proposal, Royal Schiphol Group is prepared to pay €4.2 million for the additional 40% shareholding, subject to several conditions.
One of the key requirements is the termination of certain historically established financial arrangements between the province and the airport. Royal Schiphol Group believes simplifying these structures would help streamline the airport’s management organisation and create a more effective operating framework.
The group has also indicated its willingness to make additional investments to implement improvements at the airport.
The Province of Limburg has emphasised that regional involvement will remain important, even after the proposed change in ownership. Its continued 20% shareholding would preserve its role in safeguarding regional and public interests.
Existing commitments concerning noise reduction, environmental sustainability and the airport’s wider relationship with surrounding communities will also remain part of its development framework.
Schiphol Group sees opportunities to strengthen cargo operations
Robert Carsouw, Chief Financial Officer of Royal Schiphol Group, said Maastricht Aachen Airport had a distinct position within the Dutch airport system, particularly in cargo handling.
He expressed confidence in the airport’s potential and said the group’s operational expertise and experience could help develop a financially healthy and future-ready airport in cooperation with the airport management and the Province of Limburg.
The proposed majority ownership would give Royal Schiphol Group greater influence over the airport’s strategic direction, investment priorities and operational development.
The group already owns and operates Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Lelystad Airport, and holds a majority stake in Eindhoven Airport. Its expanded involvement in Maastricht would further consolidate its position across the Dutch airport network.
Limburg to retain minority ownership and regional oversight
Deputy Stephan Satijn of the Province of Limburg welcomed the proposal, describing it as evidence of Royal Schiphol Group’s confidence in the airport’s future.
He said the group’s expertise, experience and network could help strengthen Maastricht Aachen Airport’s position both regionally and within the broader Dutch aviation system.
The province intends to remain actively involved as a minority shareholder, ensuring that regional interests continue to be represented as the airport moves towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible operating model.
Frans Weekers, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Maastricht Aachen Airport, also welcomed the proposal. He noted that Royal Schiphol Group had been involved as a shareholder since 2023 and was familiar with the airport’s development.
He said the province had established a solid foundation over recent years and that, subject to approval, Royal Schiphol Group could build on this groundwork by applying its expertise and resources to the airport’s future development.
A complementary role in the Dutch airport network
The proposed ownership expansion comes as Dutch airports increasingly focus on cooperation and the complementary use of infrastructure.
Maastricht Aachen Airport is expected to play an additional role in this network in 2027, when it will accommodate part of Eindhoven Airport’s air traffic during a temporary closure of the latter.
This arrangement highlights the potential for airports to support one another while maintaining their individual operational strengths.
For the air cargo industry, Maastricht’s specialist handling capabilities and geographical position offer opportunities to strengthen freight connectivity in the southern Netherlands and neighbouring European markets.
If approved, the increased stake would give Royal Schiphol Group a stronger platform to develop these capabilities while maintaining the province’s involvement in the airport’s long-term direction.
The immediate next step is approval by the Provincial Council of Limburg. Royal Schiphol Group and the province will continue working on the proposal and negotiating the final conditions before any ownership transfer can take place.
