Schiphol wants to increase its stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport to 80 percent

LIMBURG – Royal Schiphol Group wants to increase its stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport (MAA) from 40 to 80 percent. This would make Schiphol the majority shareholder in the Limburg airport. The Province of Limburg would retain a 20 percent stake.

On 5 November, the Province of Limburg submitted the proposal to the Provincial Council (Provinciale Staten), which still needs to make a decision on the offer.

Royal Schiphol Group is prepared to pay €4.2 million to increase its shareholding. This is the same amount that was paid in 2022 for the original 40 percent stake. However, the offer is subject to several conditions.

Schiphol wants to terminate a number of financial arrangements that have evolved over the years. This is intended to simplify the airport's management structure. In addition, Schiphol is willing to make further investments in improvements at the airport.

Through this expansion, Schiphol aims to strengthen Maastricht Aachen Airport's position within the Dutch airport system. According to its prospective majority shareholder, the airport has a distinctive position, particularly in the field of air cargo, and offers potential for growth.

Schiphol intends to use its knowledge, experience and network to make MAA financially healthier and better equipped for the future. Consideration will also be given to the airport's regional significance and its impact on the surrounding area.

Despite its reduced shareholding, the Province of Limburg will remain involved in the airport. Existing agreements made in 2022, including those concerning noise reduction and sustainability, will remain in force.

As a minority shareholder, the province will have less influence over decision-making and will face lower financial risks. However, it will remain responsible for safeguarding regional and public interests, as well as ensuring compliance with the framework established by the Provincial Council.

Provincial Executive Stephan Satijn views the proposed expansion as a positive development. According to him, Schiphol's move demonstrates confidence in the future of Maastricht Aachen Airport and in the importance of the airport to Limburg and The Netherlands.

The Provincial Executive has now submitted the full proposal to the Provincial Council. The final decision on the expansion of Schiphol's shareholding is therefore yet to be made.

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