The Aviation Authority of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT Aviation Authority) has further detailed the new airport decision for Groningen Airport Eelde regarding the use of auxiliary power units (APUs) in aircraft and taxiing with the minimum necessary number of engines.
The Airport Decision for Groningen Airport Eelde came into effect on November 1, 2025. The airport decision imposes restrictions on the use of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) of aircraft when cleaner facilities are available. Furthermore, there are restrictions on the number of engines used during taxiing to, from, and over the runway. The aim is to reduce local air pollution and thereby better protect residents, platform workers, and the environment. To monitor compliance, the ILT Aviation Authority has further detailed these rules in a policy rule.
Auxiliary power units (APUs)
The APU is an auxiliary engine in an aircraft. Aircraft that are stationary use this auxiliary engine for electricity and air conditioning on board. The use of APUs is harmful to air quality on the platforms and causes noise pollution. Groningen Airport Eelde must ensure that alternative facilities such as a Fixed Power Unit, Ground Power Unit and Pre-conditioned Air Unit are available, operational, and emission-free and are correctly used by ground handling. The airport records the necessary procedures in its management systems. Additionally, the airport sets rules for the use of APUs by the captain and publishes these in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) so that airlines are informed.
Taxiing
In addition to the above measures, the airport must determine rules for taxiing with the minimum necessary number of engines. These are also published in the AIP. The captain is responsible for following the rules.
Supervision
The ILT Aviation Authority monitors compliance by the airport and the captain through audits and spot checks. In the enforcement report Groningen Airport Eelde, the aviation authority publishes the results of its supervision. If the airport or the captain does not comply with the rules, the ILT Aviation Authority can, for example, impose an order under penalty of a fine.
