Defence sometimes conducts military flights from a civilian airport. This can be for humanitarian aid, support during floods or major fires, or for training exercises. This is important for national security and resilience in the Netherlands.

Currently, the military use of Groningen Airport Eelde is regulated by the Conversion Regulation Eelde. This will lapse with the arrival of the new Airport Decision Eelde. Therefore, a separate regulation has now been established to allow military shared use thereafter.

The old regulation included a maximum of 400 military flight movements per year. In the new regulation, this limit has been removed. It is expected to involve about 790 flight movements per year. Fighter jets, such as the F-35, remain prohibited. Military traffic must comply with the same rules as civilian aircraft. These rules concern matters such as opening hours and noise standards, as stated in the Airport Decision Eelde.

For Defence, the use of civilian airports is important because training must occur under the conditions applicable there. Additionally, allies must be welcome in times of emergency or for joint training.

The responses to the internet consultation will be evaluated after August 25 by the ministries of Infrastructure and Water Management and Defence. After that, the regulation may be adjusted, and feedback will follow on what has been done with the responses. The final decision is expected in the autumn of 2025.

Separate regulations will be created for other airports as soon as an airport decision is established there. There will also be another internet consultation for those airports.

More information or to submit a response? Go to Regulation Military Shared Use of Civil Airports on Government.nl.