Caretaker cabinet OKs F-35s at Lelystad, passes holiday flight decision to next cabinet
The caretaker cabinet intends to station F-35 fighter jets at Lelystad Airport but will leave the decision on allowing holiday flights to a future government, according to sources cited by De Telegraaf and RTL Nieuws.
Last week, a majority of the Tweede Kamer called for postponing any decision regarding the airport. In response to media reports suggesting the cabinet planned to move forward, the Chamber said it is not the role of a caretaker government to make such a major decision.
Lelystad Airport, originally scheduled to open in 2018, has faced repeated delays. Its long-term future has remained uncertain for years.
The airport was initially planned for holiday flights to relieve congestion at Schiphol Airport. Later, the government added a proposal to allow the Ministry of Defense to use the facility, including the stationing of F-35 fighter jets.
Regional stakeholders have pressed for the airport to open for civil aviation. RTL Nieuws reports that the cabinet still faces difficult negotiations over whether the airport will host holiday flights.
Another challenge is the environmental requirements: a nature permit is needed for F-35 operations at Lelystad. Caretaker Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Robert Tieman said last week that work on obtaining the permit is still ongoing.
