Gelderland municipalities oppose Lelystad Airport as coalition approves vacation flights

Eight municipalities in Gelderland have voiced opposition to plans to open Lelystad Airport to civilian flights, warning that up to 10,000 annual flights could threaten nature and livability. Elburg, Epe, Harderwijk, Hattem, Heerde, Nunspeet, Oldebroek, and Voorst state that all environmental and social impacts must be carefully considered.

“The Veluwe is a vulnerable area, where natural values and the livability for 200,000 residents are at stake,” said Hattem Mayor Marleen Sanderse, speaking on behalf of the eight municipalities. "We reiterate our previous calls to consider all interests and concerns before making a careful decision."

The municipalities are supported by the Natuur- en Milieufederatie Flevoland (NMFF), Stichting Red de Veluwe, and Greenpeace. In contrast, the province of Flevoland and the municipality of Lelystad have expressed strong support for opening the airport to civilian flights.

The incoming coalition government of D66, VVD, and CDA has formally approved a plan to allow civilian vacation flights at Lelystad Airport, potentially handling up to 10,000 flights per year. The airport is also designated as a base for F‑35 fighter jets. Flevoland province and Lelystad officials have stated they will accept the stationing of jets only if civilian flights are permitted.

Lelystad officials have previously expressed frustration over repeated government delays, calling the postponements a “disgrace” and accusing national politicians of unreliability after more than fifteen years of waiting.