The provincial government of Flevoland has taken note with interest of the cabinet decision regarding the National Program Space for Defense. We emphasize the national importance of the arrival of the barracks in Zeewolde and the stationing of F-35s at Lelystad Airport. Flevoland is willing to take responsibility in this. However, that responsibility can only be asked if the government also chooses coherence and predictability in policy.
Strengthening and Concentrating Support Units in Zeewolde
The arrival of the barracks for concentration of support units in Zeewolde means an economic boost in employment and business activity in Flevoland, which we welcome. Also in areas such as infrastructure and high tech, this development offers opportunities for the region and for the Netherlands as a whole. Commissioner of the King Arjen Gerritsen: “Now that the location is final, it is very important that clarity comes quickly for the landowners affected by this development. We strongly advocate relieving the involved farmers and an active, visible role of the Government Real Estate Agency, so that actions are taken carefully and with respect for our residents and the environment. The secretary of state’s commitment to carefully follow this process gives us confidence.”
Lelystad Airport
The decision on opening Lelystad Airport for wholesale traffic will be left to the new cabinet. The provincial government is disappointed that the promised clarity about the opening of Lelystad Airport for holiday flights has again been delayed. “At the same time, we understand that the current situation leading up to a new cabinet requires more time. For the region, clarity and certainty in the short term are of great importance. We must move forward. For us, the rule is: a deal is a deal.” In Flevoland, for almost 20 years, at the initiative of the government, work has been done on the development of Lelystad Airport. The airport, including terminal, infrastructure, and air traffic control: everything is ready. The opening of Lelystad Airport for wholesale traffic is of regional importance and explicitly of national significance for the realization and accommodation of economic and social growth. Flevoland is ready to provide a place for a heavy national defense task. We realize that this will impact our residents and the living environment. It is very important that clarity comes quickly for the landowners affected by this development. We strongly advocate relieving those affected, so that actions are taken carefully and with respect for our residents and the environment.
Synergy as a Prerequisite
We continue to emphasize that the synergy benefits of wholesale traffic (holiday flights) combined with military co-use are so great that this should be preferred. Forgoing these synergy benefits by not opening Lelystad Airport for holiday flights not only leads to much higher costs and investments but also causes delays because Defense will have to adjust its plans.
Our position remains unchanged: the arrival of the F-35s can only be realized in conjunction with the opening of Lelystad Airport for holiday flights. “There is no support from us for burdening our residents with the nuisance of fighter jets without utilizing logical development opportunities for the region,” said Gerritsen. Joint use offers synergy benefits: sharing facilities and costs, accelerating decision-making, and efficient use of scarce space and resources. “We also continue to emphasize the great Dutch interest in sustainable, international aviation. In addition, Flevoland is important for realizing the country’s economic and social challenges in housing, working, innovation, and accessibility.”
Outlook
In the ongoing formation, themes such as safety, a strong business climate, and future-proof regional development are high on the agenda. Flevoland can and wants to make a substantial contribution here. The opening of Lelystad Airport for holiday flights is logical and necessary in this regard. Not choosing places a huge burden on time and resources and affects speed.
The provincial government is confident that a new cabinet will come to a sensible, coherent, and future-oriented decision about Lelystad Airport – in the interest of Flevoland and the Netherlands. We will continue to cooperate constructively with this and the next cabinet to shape this together.