Groningen Airport Eelde Offers Capacity for Growth in the Netherlands
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Loading... - Antar Bennani
- 19 Feb 2025
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Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ) is strategically positioned as a key regional airport in the Northern Netherlands, serving a population of nearly 4 million residents within a 90-minute drive. With a catchment area that is home to over 2 million inhabitants, GRQ operates independently and is not subject to slot restrictions, making it well-equipped to accommodate growth in the increasingly congested Dutch aviation market.
New Routes for 2025
The airport's 2025 program includes the introduction of two new routes. Sunweb will launch a new series to Heraklion in collaboration with SKY Express, enhancing peak summer capacity alongside existing services from Corendon. Additionally, a new exclusive connection to Knock (Ireland West Airport) will be operated by Emerald Airlines on behalf of BBI Travel, a tour operator specializing in travel to Ireland, the Nordics, and Iceland. This new route marks BBI Travel’s second exclusive destination from GRQ, following three successful years of winter seasonal flights to Scandinavian Mountains Airport in Sweden.
In 2024, Groningen Airport welcomed over 113,000 passengers, primarily from seasonal holiday charter flights. This trend is expected to continue into 2025, with airlines such as Corendon, TUI, SKY Express, Emerald Airlines, Blue Islands, and Transavia operating routes to popular destinations in Spain, Turkey, Greece, Ireland, Sweden, and Guernsey.
Future Expansion Plans
Looking ahead to 2026, Groningen Airport aims to broaden its network across leisure, business, and charter markets. The airport is fostering strong partnerships with tour operators, which will help secure guaranteed seat allotments on select routes, thereby minimizing risks for airlines launching new services at GRQ.
Route Opportunities
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Groningen Airport had established scheduled services to key business destinations, including daily flights to Munich and up to three daily flights to London, as well as two daily flights to Copenhagen. These routes remain highly sought after by travelers and businesses in the region.
To attract new services, Groningen Airport offers tailor-made incentives for new route development, positioning itself as a viable option for airlines looking to expand their networks in the region. With its capacity for growth and commitment to enhancing connectivity, GRQ is poised to play a significant role in the future of Dutch aviation.
