View source for Maastricht Aachen Airport

{{redirect|Aachen Airport|the minor airport serving Aachen|Merzbrück Airport}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox airport
| name         = Maastricht Aachen Airport
| nativename   = 
| image        = Maastricht Aachen Airport Logo.svg
| image-width  = 250
| image2       = Passagiersterminal.jpg
| image2-width = 250
| IATA         = MST
| ICAO         = EHBK
| pushpin_map            = Netherlands
| pushpin_map_caption    = Location of airport in Netherlands
| pushpin_label          = MST
| pushpin_label_position = top
| type         = Public
| owner        = [[Schiphol Group]] (40%)<br />[[Limburg (Netherlands)|Province of Limburg]] (60%)<br />
| operator     = Maastricht Aachen Airport BV
| city-served  = [[Maastricht]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Aachen]], [[Germany]], and [[Euregio Meuse-Rhine]]
| location     = [[Beek]], [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]], the [[Netherlands]]
| elevation-f  = 375
| elevation-m  = 114
| coordinates  = {{Coord|50|54|57|N|005|46|37|E|region:NL_type:airport}}
| website      = [https://www.maa.nl/en/ www.maa.nl]
| metric-rwy   = y
| r1-number    = 03/21
| r1-length-m  = {{formatnum:2750}}
| r1-length-f  = {{formatnum:9022}}
| r1-surface   = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| stat-year    = 2024
| stat1-header = Passengers
| stat1-data   = 230,932 {{increase}} <small>(''estimated'')</small>
| stat2-header = Cargo ([[tonne]]s)
| stat2-data   = 29,448 {{decrease}} <small>(''estimated'')</small>
| footnotes    = Source: [[Statistics Netherlands]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/37478hvv/table?ts=1647286586448|title=CBS Statline|website=opendata.cbs.nl|accessdate=15 April 2023}}</ref>
}}

'''Maastricht Aachen Airport''' {{airport codes|MST|EHBK}} is a major cargo hub and regional passenger airport in [[Beek]] in [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]], the [[Netherlands]], located {{convert|5|NM|abbr=on|lk=in}} northeast of [[Maastricht]]<ref name="AIP">{{AIP_NL|EHBK|name=MAASTRICHT/Maastricht Aachen}}</ref> and {{convert|15|NM|abbr=on}} northwest of [[Aachen]], [[Germany]].<ref>[http://gc.kls2.com/cgi-bin/gc?PATH=50%B046%27N+006%B006%27E-50%B054%2757%22N+005%B046%2737%22E%0D%0A%0D%0A&RANGE=&PATH-COLOR=red&PATH-UNITS=nm&PATH-MINIMUM=&SPEED-GROUND=&SPEED-UNITS=kts&RANGE-STYLE=best&RANGE-COLOR=navy&MAP-STYLE= Distance and heading from Aachen (50°46'N 006°06'E) to EHBK (50°54'57"N 005°46'37"E)].</ref> It is the second-largest [[airline hub|hub]] for cargo flights in the Netherlands. As of 2024, the airport had a passenger throughput of 230,932 and handled 29,448 [[ton]]s of cargo.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luchtvaartnieuws.nl/nieuws/categorie/3/airports/maastricht-aachen-airport-in-2022-meer-passagiers-minder-vracht |title=Maastricht Aachen Airport in 2022|website=Luchtvaart News |date=12 January 2023 }}</ref>

The Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre (MUAC) of the [[European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation]] (EUROCONTROL) is also located at the airport.

==History==

===Pre-World War II===
Plans for an airport in southern [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]] date back as far as 1919, with various locations being considered. Years of debate among various municipalities over the location and funding of the airport delayed its construction. In July 1939, the Limburg provincial government agreed to financially back the airport, however, the start of World War II meant the plans were put on hold once more.<ref>Vleugels 1987, p. 12-13</ref>

===Advanced Landing Ground Y-44===
[[File:IXEngineering-psprunway.jpg|right|thumb|IX Engineering Command constructing an advanced landing ground]]
After the allied [[invasion of Normandy]], the [[United States Army Air Forces|USAAF]] [[Ninth Air Force]], specifically the IX Engineer Command, was tasked with constructing temporary airfields close to the advancing [[Front (military)|front]]. The area around Maastricht was liberated in 1944. In October 1944, the advance headquarters of the XIX Tactical Air Command and the 84th and 303rd Fighter Wings were moved to [[Maastricht]] to keep up with the Ninth Army.<ref>{{cite web|title=USAAF Chronology October 1944 |author=McKillop, Jack |url=http://www.usaaf.net/chron/44/oct44.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031031115303/http://usaaf.net/chron/44/oct44.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2003-10-31 |access-date=2010-02-03 }}</ref>

Because of the proximity to the new headquarters, the decision was made to create a temporary airfield between the towns of [[Beek]], [[Geulle]] and [[Ulestraten]]. Several [[orchard]]s which had suffered damage from a tank battle were commandeered and cleared. Rubble from the nearby town of [[Geleen]], which had been unintentionally bombed in 1942, was used to level the area.<ref name="Vleugels 1987, p. 14">Vleugels 1987, p. 14</ref>

The runway was {{convert|5565|ft|m}}<ref>{{cite web | title= IX Engineer Command | url= http://www.ixengineercommand.com/airfields/physical.php | author= Little, David | access-date= 2010-02-03 | archive-date= 2019-06-09 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190609090806/http://www.ixengineercommand.com/airfields/physical.php | url-status= dead }}</ref> and reinforced with [[Advanced Landing Ground#Runway types|pierced steel planks]].

The field was built in less than 2 months and was operational on 22 March 1945,<ref>Vleugels 1987, p. 15</ref> and was designated Y-44.

The first unit to be based at the field was the 31st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, flying the F-6, a reconnaissance version of the [[P-51 Mustang]]. The unit arrived on 22 March 1945.<ref name="Vleugels 1987, p. 14"/><ref name="USAAF3-45">{{cite web
 |title=USAAAF Chronology March 1945 
 |author=McKillop, Jack 
 |url=http://www.usaaf.net/chron/45/mar45.htm 
 |access-date=2010-02-03 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602071111/http://www.usaaf.net/chron/45/mar45.htm 
 |archive-date=2013-06-02 
}}</ref>

As [[Nazi Germany]] was rapidly collapsing, the front was already well into Germany by the time the field was ready, and no direct combat sorties were operated from Y-44. 31st TRS was moved to [[Wiesbaden Army Airfield|Y-80 near Wiesbaden]] on 19 April 1945.<ref name="Vleugels 1987, p. 14"/><ref name="USAAF4-45">{{cite web|title=USAAF Chronology April 1945 |author=McKillop, Jack |url=http://www.usaaf.net/chron/45/apr45.htm |access-date=2010-02-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100307201343/http://www.usaaf.net/chron/45/apr45.htm |archive-date=2010-03-07 }}</ref>

====Units operating at the field====
*31st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, [[P-51 Mustang|F-6 Mustang]] (22 March 1945<ref name="USAAF3-45"/> – 19 April 1945<ref name="USAAF4-45"/> )
*39th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, [[F-5 Lightning]] (2 April 1945<ref name="USAAF4-45"/> – 20 April 1945<ref name="USAAF4-45"/>)
*[[67th Network Warfare Group|67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group]]
**155th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (Night), [[A-20 Havoc|F-3]] (4 April 1945<ref name="USAAF4-45"/> – 10 July 1945<ref>{{cite web|title=USAAF Chronology July 1945 |author=McKillop, Jack |url=http://www.usaaf.net/chron/45/jul45.htm |access-date=2010-02-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100307201203/http://www.usaaf.net/chron/45/jul45.htm |archive-date=2010-03-07 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= 45 Reconnaissance Factsheet | author= Air Force Historical Research Agency | url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10248 | access-date= 2010-02-03 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203020/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10248 | archive-date= 2016-03-03 }}</ref>)
*[[387th Air Expeditionary Operations Group|387th Bombardment Group (Medium)]]
**556, 557, 558 and 559th Squadrons, [[B-26 Marauder]] (4 May 1945)<ref name="USAAF5-45"/> – 30 May 1945<ref name="USAAF5-45">{{cite web|title=USAAF Chronology May 1945 |author=McKillop, Jack |url=http://www.usaaf.net/chron/45/may45.htm |access-date=2010-02-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100307201214/http://www.usaaf.net/chron/45/may45.htm |archive-date=2010-03-07 }}</ref>

===After World War II===
Authority over what was to become known as Beek airfield (''vliegveld Beek''), was officially transferred to the Dutch government on 1 August 1945. It was decided to keep it open rather than re-open the pre-war debate over the location of an airport in the Maastricht area. The first civilian aircraft landed on 26 September 1945 and were operated by the ''Regeeringsvliegdienst'', a government service with the purpose of carrying government officials and other people with urgent business, because the war had left many roads and railroads heavily damaged. The service used six [[de Havilland Dragon Rapide]]s made available by the British government.<ref>Vleugels 1987, p. 18</ref>

In 1946, the service was taken over by [[KLM]], using [[DC-3 Dakota]]s.<ref>Vleugels 1987, p. 22</ref> However, as repairs to the Dutch infrastructure progressed, demand for the service dropped and it was stopped in 1949.<ref name="Vleugels 1987, p. 28">Vleugels 1987, p. 28</ref> The first semi-permanent [[airport terminal]] was completed in 1947.<ref name="Vleugels 1987, p. 28"/> The runway was paved in 1949, and a second paved runway was completed in 1950.<ref name="Vleugels 1987, p. 28"/> In 1951, an agreement between the airport and the [[Dutch Air Force]] allowed for rapid expansion of the facilities.<ref>Vleugels 1987, p. 32</ref> Runway 04/22 was lengthened to 1,850&nbsp;m (6,070&nbsp;ft), and permanent runway lighting was installed in 1960.

===1950s and 1960s===
The late 1950s and early 1960s brought significant expansion in commercial operations at the airport. Operators included [[KLM]], Airnautical, Skytours, [[Euravia]], [[Tradair]] and [[Transair (UK)|Transair]].<ref>Vleugels 1987, p. 36</ref> The airport was also used as an intermediate stop for services from London and Manchester to Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Yugoslavia.<ref>Vleugels 1987, p. 43</ref> A local airline based at the airport, ''Limburg Airways'', had a contract with the ''[[International Herald Tribune]]'' for distributing the newspaper's European edition, which was printed in Paris. Limburg Airways was taken over by Martin's Air Charter (now [[Martinair]]) in 1962.<ref>Vleugels 1987, p. 45</ref>

A promotion campaign by the Dutch tourist board for the nearby town of [[Valkenburg aan de Geul]], aimed at British tourists, was highly successful and brought services by [[Invicta International Airlines|Invicta Airlines]], [[Britannia Airways|Britannia]] and [[Channel Airways]].

Domestic travel picked up as well, and newly created [[NLM CityHopper]] started to operate a service between Maastricht and [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Amsterdam Schiphol]] in 1966. The service would continue after KLM acquired NLM in 1992, and would last until 2008. When it was cancelled, it was the last remaining domestic service in the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web | author= Het Nieuwsblad | url= http://www.nieuwsblad.be/article/detail.aspx?articleid=2S1VMKM5 | title= KLM vliegt niet meer naar Amsterdam | access-date= 2010-02-06 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110611172720/http://www.nieuwsblad.be/article/detail.aspx?articleid=2S1VMKM5 | archive-date= 2011-06-11 |author-link = Het Nieuwsblad}}</ref>

An [[Instrument Landing System|ILS system]], which allows landings in poor weather, was built in 1967, for runway 22 only.

===1970s===
In 1973, the airport was expanded again to handle bigger aircraft. The main runway was lengthened to 2500&nbsp;m (8,200&nbsp;ft), taxiways were widened, and aprons were enlarged.<ref>Vleugels 1987, p. 60</ref> This mostly offset the negative effects of the [[1973 oil crisis]], passenger volume remained the same and cargo operations expanded.<ref>Vleugels 1987, p. 61</ref>

The international air traffic control [[Area Control Center|area control centre]] for [[EUROCONTROL]] was built at the airport. It started operations on March 1, 1972.<ref>{{cite web|title=Eurocontrol MUAC / About Us |url=http://www.eurocontrol.int/muac/public/standard_page/AboutUs.html |author=Eurocontrol |access-date=2010-02-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316154829/http://www.eurocontrol.int/muac/public/standard_page/AboutUs.html |archive-date=2010-03-16 }}</ref>

===1980s===
Around 1980, the airport changed its name to "Maastricht Airport". In 1983, the aging passenger terminal and air traffic control tower were replaced by new buildings<ref>Vleugels 1987, p. 85</ref> The new terminal was later expanded and is still in use as of 2010.

On 14 May 1985, [[Pope John Paul II]] held an open-air mass for 50,000 people at the airport, as part of his visit to the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web | title= Toen en nu 14 Mei 1985 | author= De Limburger | url= http://www.limburger.nl/article/20090514/TOENENNU/369854960/1018 | access-date= 2010-02-08 | archive-date= 2011-07-17 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110717111006/http://www.limburger.nl/article/20090514/TOENENNU/369854960/1018 | url-status= dead }}</ref>

====Plan for an east–west runway====
In 1981, a development plan for the airport recommended constructing a 3,500m east–west runway to facilitate growth in cargo operations, particularly during the night hours.<ref>Vleugels 1987, p. 77</ref> The new runway would greatly reduce noise impact over the towns of [[Beek]], [[Meerssen]] and the city of [[Maastricht]]. Although some night operations are allowed (including distribution of the European edition of ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]''), runway length limits intercontinental operations.<ref>Vleugels 1987, p. 78</ref> The Dutch government initially approved plans for the runway in 1985,<ref>Vleugels 1987, p. 95</ref> however, the new runway would mean increased noise over other towns and parts of Belgium as well, and the final decision was delayed. As the new east–west runway would require substantial investment, it would only be profitable if night operations were permitted and increasingly the debate became focused on whether or not night flights should be allowed.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.volkskrant.nl/archief_gratis/article695147.ece/Jorritsma_en_De_Boer_onverzoenlijk_over_nachtvluchten_op_Beek_Nachtvluchten | title= 1996-10-03: Jorritsma en De Boer onverzoenlijk over nachtvluchten op Beek | author= De Volkskrant |access-date= 2010-02-11| author-link= De Volkskrant }}</ref> Successive cabinets could not reach a final decision, and in 1998, after some 25 years of debate and postponement, the plan was aborted altogether.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.volkskrant.nl/archief_gratis/article781779.ece/Oost-westbaan_vliegveld_Beek_niet_langer_hoogstnoodzakelijk_werkgelegenheidsproject_Limburg_zet_kaarten_op_werken_rond_Nedcar | title= 1998-11-19: Oost-westbaan vliegveld Beek niet langer hoogstnoodzakelijk | author= De Volkskrant |access-date= 2010-02-11| author-link= De Volkskrant }}</ref>

===1990–2009===
In 1992, the Belgian town of Tongeren became shareholder of the airport. Two years later, the board of trade or chamber of commerce of the nearby German city of [[Aachen]] became shareholder. This interest eventually became prominent and in October 1994 the airport's name was changed to "Maastricht-Aachen Airport".{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

In July 2004, a 100% share in the airport was acquired by OmDV, a consortium of airport investment company ''Omniport'' and the construction company ''Dura Vermeer'', making it the first fully privatised airport in the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.maa.nl/en/content.asp?i=248 |title= MAA website (Shareholders page) |access-date= 2008-04-11 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080507110643/http://www.maa.nl/en/content.asp?i=248 |archive-date= 2008-05-07 }}</ref>

Substantial investments in the airport infrastructure have been made since the privatization. Between August and October 2005, the runway was resurfaced and renamed to 03/21 (from 04/22) to compensate for changes in the [[Earth's magnetic field]]. The airport originally had two runways; the second (shorter, {{convert|1080|m|abbr=on}}) runway (07/25) was closed and removed to make room for a new cargo [[airport terminal|terminal]] and additional aircraft maintenance facilities. Construction of the new facilities started in April 2008.

On 7 May 2005, [[Air Force One]] carrying US president [[George W. Bush]] landed at the airport.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.elsevier.nl/web/1030313/Nieuws/Nederland/Amerikaanse-president-aangekomen-in-Nederland.htm | title= Amerikaanse president aangekomen in Nederland | author= Elsevier.nl | access-date= 2010-05-31 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110611232155/http://www.elsevier.nl/web/1030313/Nieuws/Nederland/Amerikaanse-president-aangekomen-in-Nederland.htm | archive-date= 2011-06-11 }}</ref> Bush visited the [[Netherlands American Cemetery]] in nearby [[Margraten]] the next day.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article197755.ece/Bezoek_Bush_beeindigd_na_herdenking_in_Margraten | title= Bezoek Bush beëindigd na herdenking in Margraten | author= De Volkskrant | access-date=2010-05-31}}</ref>

The [[instrument landing system]] (ILS) for runway 21 was upgraded to category III in 2008, which allows landings in very low visibility conditions.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol]] is the only other airport in the Netherlands that has category III ILS.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

===2010s===
In March 2011, the airport was certified to handle the upcoming [[Boeing 747-8]], as two of the airport's major airlines—[[Cargolux]] and [[AirBridge Cargo]]—have placed orders for this aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web | url= http://www.maa.nl/nl/news.asp?ii=126 | title= MAA Website News (dutch) | access-date= 2011-05-27 }} {{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Ryanair announced on July 3, 2012, that Maastricht will become a new Ryanair base from December 2012, the first on Dutch soil, with one [[Boeing 737-800]] being based at the airport and three new routes being launched: [[Dublin]], [[London-Stansted]] and [[Treviso]]. In October of the same year, German low-cost airline [[Germanwings]] ended its flights to [[Berlin]] after already halving its flights a year prior.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.travelpro.nl/german-wings-stopt-vluchten-vanaf-maastricht/|title=German Wings stopt vluchten vanaf Maastricht|date=12 September 2012|access-date=23 September 2025}}</ref> In the same month, start-up Dutch airline, [[Maastricht Airlines]], announced plans to base six [[Fokker 50]] aircraft at the airport, initially operating to [[Berlin]], [[Munich]], and [[Amsterdam]], before adding [[Copenhagen]], [[Paris Charles de Gaulle]] and [[Southend]] in 2014. This did not happen and the company declared bankruptcy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nu.nl/economie/3491799/maastricht-airlines-failliet-verklaard.html|title=Maastricht Airlines failliet verklaard|work=nu.nl|access-date=20 August 2016|date=2013-06-04}}</ref>

In December 2013, a spokesperson of the airport confirmed the closure of the Ryanair base from March 2014, entailing the ending of the [[Bergamo]], [[Brive]], [[Dublin]], [[London-Stansted]] and [[Málaga]] flights.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2013/12/budget_airline_ryanair_to_clos.php|title=Budget airline Ryanair to close Maastricht base - DutchNews.nl|date=17 December 2013|work=dutchnews.nl|access-date=20 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="ryanairschedule">{{cite web|url=https://www.bookryanair.com/SkySales/booking.aspx?culture=de-de&lc=de-de#Select|title=Ryanair.com|work=bookryanair.com|access-date=20 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903132408/https://www.bookryanair.com/SkySales/Booking.aspx?culture=de-DE&lc=de-DE#Select|archive-date=2017-09-03|url-status=dead}}</ref> Also in 2013, the airport was helped by the province with a 4.5 million euro contribution. The airport was very close to bankruptcy during this period. Later on, in March 2014, the same province of Limburg believed that closure was never an option. They decided that they would like to take over the airport.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.limburg.nl/Actueel/Nieuws_en_persberichten/2014/Maart_2014/GS_Maastricht_Aachen_Airport_overnemen |title=GS: Maastricht Aachen Airport overnemen |access-date=2015-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402184622/http://www.limburg.nl/Actueel/Nieuws_en_persberichten/2014/Maart_2014/GS_Maastricht_Aachen_Airport_overnemen |archive-date=2015-04-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In late 2015, also [[Transavia]] announced they would not return to Maastricht in the summer of 2016, at the same time [[Vueling]] announced a new route to [[Barcelona]], however, this latter route was only short-lived.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2062376-maastricht-airport-verliest-transavia|title=Maastricht Airport verliest Transavia
|date=10 October 201|access-date=23 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nu.nl/lifestyle/4120831/vueling-gaat-vanaf-maastricht-vliegen-naar-barcelona.html|title='Vueling gaat vanaf Maastricht vliegen naar Barcelona'|date=7 September 2015|access-date=23 September 2025}}</ref> 

In 2017, the Dutch holiday airline [[Corendon Dutch Airlines]] announced that it would open a base at the airport with one aircraft based in summer 2018. In late 2018, renovations started on the passenger terminal. Also, freight carriers as [[Emirates SkyCargo]] and [[Saudia Cargo]] found their way to the airport, while [[Turkish Airlines Cargo]], [[Silk Way Airlines]], and [[Sky Gates Airlines]] further expanded their operations in [[Maastricht]]. Meanwhile, both [[Corendon Dutch Airlines]] and [[Ryanair]] announced that they would expand their number of destinations. [[Corendon Dutch Airlines]] even based a second aircraft during the summer season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vernooij |first= Niek |date=2018-06-12 |title=Corendon stationeert tweede vliegtuig in Maastricht|url=https://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/nieuws/categorie/2/airlines/corendon-stationeert-tweede-vliegtuig-in-maastricht |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Luchtvaartnieuws}}</ref> 

===2020s===

In June 2025, Ryanair announced that it would be ending its operations on October 26 due to rising costs at the airport. Resulting in the termination of all flights to [[Alicante]], [[Bari]], [[Girona]], [[Porto]], and [[Zadar]]. At the time of the announcement, the airline contributed to 76.3% of the airport's traffic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spanjevic |first=Aleksa |date=2025-06-12 |title=Ryanair to pull out of Maastricht, blames fees |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/154715-ryanair-to-pull-out-of-maastricht-blames-fees |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=ch-aviation}}</ref> A few months after Ryanair's decision, [[Wizz Air]] announced it would be returning to [[Maastricht]] with flights to [[Bucharest]], [[Chisinau]], [[Katowice]], and [[Tuzla]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hauben |first=Leo |date=2025-08-20 |title=Liefde bloeit op tussen Wizz Air en Maastricht Aachen Airport|url=https://www.l1nieuws.nl/nieuws/2971880/liefde-bloeit-op-tussen-wizz-air-en-maastricht-aachen-airport|access-date=2025-08-20 |website=L1 Nieuws}}</ref> However, a few months later, in September of 2025, also [[Corendon Dutch Airlines]] announced it would not be returning to Maastricht and would focus on nearby airports in Belgium and Germany instead. As a reason, the airline stated it had been unsuccessful in attracting German passengers to Maastricht, as well as the more attractive prices and the more convenient flight times available at other airports such as [[Düsseldorf Airport | Düsseldorf]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dreissen |first=Frans |date=2025-09-22 |title=Corendon vertrekt na bijna 20 jaar voor de laatste keer vanaf Maastricht Aachen Airport: 'Er is te weinig animo onder reizigers'|url=https://www.limburger.nl/economie/corendon-vertrekt-na-bijna-20-jaar-voor-de-laatste-keer-vanaf-maastricht-aachen-airport-er-is-te-weinig-animo-onder-reizigers/92160223.html |access-date=2025-09-23 |website=De Limburger}}</ref>

==Aircraft movements==
{{Update section|date=September 2024}}
The number of aircraft movements decreased significantly between 2005 and 2007 compared to previous years due to relocation of a major Dutch flight school, the ''Nationale Luchtvaartschool'', nowadays better known as [[CAE Global Academy|CAE Oxford Aviation Academy]]. The flight school, which was originally based at this airport, moved all flight operations to [[Évora Airport]] in Portugal. In the summer of 2007, flight training at the airport resumed as the ''Stella Aviation Academy'' moved into the facilities previously used by the NLS.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}

In 2009, there were a total of 40,621 aircraft movements, up 13.9% from 2008.<ref>{{cite web |title= Jaarverslag 2009 (Yearly Report 2009) |author= LVNL (Air Traffic Control the Netherlands) |url= http://lvnl.nl/nl/actueel/publicaties/publicaties/Jaarverslag%202009.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110724160544/http://lvnl.nl/nl/actueel/publicaties/publicaties/Jaarverslag%202009.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-date= 2011-07-24 |access-date= 2010-06-01 }}</ref> In 2008, there were a total of 35,668 aircraft movements, up 83.4% from 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jaarverslag 2008 (Yearly Report 2008) |author=LVNL (Air Traffic Control the Netherlands) |url=http://www.lvnl.nl/nl/actueel/publicaties/publicaties/LVNL-jaarverslag%202008%20TOTAAL.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126065744/http://lvnl.nl/nl/actueel/publicaties/publicaties/LVNL-jaarverslag%202008%20TOTAAL.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2010-11-26 |access-date=2009-10-29 }}</ref> In 2007, there were a total of 19,454 aircraft movements, up 35% from 2006.<ref>{{cite book |title=Jaarverslag 2007 (Yearly Report 2007) |author=Air Traffic Control the Netherlands |date=2008-04-11}}</ref>

==Airlines and destinations==
===Passenger===
<!--DO NOT ADD OR REMOVE ROUTES WITHOUT GIVING A VALID SOURCE. EXACT DATES ARE MANDATORY FOR NEW ROUTES TO BE ADDED HERE. ALSO ADD INLINE CITATIONS IF POSSIBLE.-->
The following airlines operate regular scheduled and charter flights to and from Maastricht/Aachen:

{{Airport-dest-list
<!-- -->
| [[Wizz Air]] | [[Bucharest Băneasa Aurel Vlaicu International Airport|Bucharest–Băneasa]] (begins 29 March 2026),<ref>{{cite web |title=Wizz Air NS26 Network Additions – 28SEP25 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/251002-w6w4ns26 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=3 October 2025}}</ref> [[Chișinău International Airport|Chișinău]] (begins 30 March 2026),<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/nieuws/categorie/3/airports/wizz-air-keert-terug-op-maastricht-aachen-airport-met-vluchten-naar-moldavie | title=Wizz Air keert terug op Maastricht Aachen Airport, met vluchten naar Moldavië | date=19 March 2025 }} </ref> [[Lublin Airport|Lublin]] (begins 3 April 2026), <ref>{{cite web |last1=Orban |first1=André |title=Wizz Air adds Lublin as fifth destination from Maastricht, expanding partnership for 2026 |url=https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/wizz-air/wizz-air-adds-lublin-as-fifth-destination-from-maastricht-expanding-partnership-for-2026/ |website=Aviation24.be |date=9 October 2025 |access-date=20 October 2025}}</ref> [[Tuzla International Airport|Tuzla]] (begins 12 December 2025),<ref>{{cite web | title=Wizz Air unveils Tuzla base with nine new routes | date=19 August 2025 | url=https://www.exyuaviation.com/2025/08/wizz-air-to-unveil-tuzla-base-and-new.html }}</ref> [[Podgorica Airport|Podgorica]] (begins 31 March 2026) <ref>{{cite web |last1=Orban |first1=André |title=Wizz Air adds Podgorica as sixth destination from Maastricht Aachen Airport |url=https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/wizz-air/wizz-air-adds-podgorica-as-sixth-destination-from-maastricht-aachen-airport/ |website=Aviation24.be |date=14 October 2025 |access-date=20 October 2025}}</ref> <br> '''Seasonal:''' [[Katowice Airport|Katowice]] (resumes 29 March 2026)<ref>{{cite web | title=Wysyp nowych tras od Wizz Aira z Krakowa i Katowic. Bedą turystyczne hity! | url=https://www.fly4free.pl/wysyp-nowy-tras-od-wizz-aira-z-krakowa-i-katowic-beda-turystyczne-hity/ }}</ref> 
<!-- --> 
}}

The nearest larger international airports are [[Düsseldorf Airport]], located {{convert|103|km|0|abbr=on}} north east, [[Cologne Bonn Airport]], located {{convert|120|km|0|abbr=on}} east, and [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]], located {{convert|208|km|0|abbr=on}} north west of Maastricht Aachen Airport.

===Cargo===
{{Airport-dest-list 
<!-- -->
| [[Atlas Air]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sittard-geleen.nieuws.nl/nieuws/maastricht-aachen-airport-heeft-er-een-vrachtroute-bij |title=Maastricht Aachen Airport heeft er een vrachtroute bij |language=nl |date=12 January 2025}}</ref> | [[Ezhou Huahu International Airport|Ezhou]], [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]]
<!-- -->
| [[Avianca Cargo]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Maastricht Aachen Airport verwelkomt nieuwe vrachtmaatschappij |url=https://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/nieuws/categorie/3/airports/maastricht-aachen-airport-verwelkomt-nieuwe-vrachtmaatschappij |date=2 October 2025}}</ref> | [[Miami International Airport|Miami]], [[Mariscal Sucre International Airport|Quito]], [[Zaragoza Airport|Zaragoza]]
<!-- -->
| [[Cargolux]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/nieuws/categorie/3/airports/cargolux-vanaf-zaterdag-met-boeing-747-naar-maastricht |title=Cargolux vanaf zaterdag met Boeing 747 naar Maastricht |language=nl |date=5 April 2025|access-date=19 April 2025}}</ref> | [[Luxembourg Airport|Luxembourg]], [[Jomo Kenyatta International Airport|Nairobi–Jomo Kenyatta]]
<!-- --> 
| [[Emirates SkyCargo]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/nieuws/categorie/2/airlines/emirates-start-vrachtvluchten-vanaf-maastricht-aachen-airport|title=Emirates start vrachtvluchten vanaf Maastricht Aachen Airport|first=Klaas-Jan van|last=Woerkom|date=11 December 2017}}</ref> | [[Rickenbacker International Airport|Columbus–Rickenbacker]], [[Al Maktoum International Airport|Dubai–Al Maktoum]], [[Jomo Kenyatta International Airport|Nairobi–Jomo Kenyatta]], [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|New York–JFK]], [[Zaragoza Airport|Zaragoza]]
<!-- -->
| {{nowrap|[[Ethiopian Airlines]]<ref>[https://www.aviation24.be/airports/maastricht-aachen-mst/maastricht-aachen-airport-expands-cargo-network-as-freight-volumes-surge-15/] retrieved 28 August 2025</ref>}} | [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]], [[Addis Ababa Bole International Airport|Addis Ababa]]
<!-- -->
| {{nowrap|[[My Freighter Airlines]]<ref>[https://aircargoweek.com/my-freighter-launches-twice-weekly-cargo-flights-to-maastricht/] retrieved 25 August 2025</ref>}} | [[Almaty International Airport|Almaty]], [[Shanghai Pudong International Airport|Shanghai]], [[Tashkent International Airport|Tashkent]]
<!-- -->
| [[Qatar Airways Cargo]]<ref>[https://www.qrcargo.com/weeklySchedules qrcargo.com - Schedules retrieved 20 July 2020]</ref> | [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]]
<!-- -->
| {{nowrap|[[Royal Jordanian|Royal Jordanian Cargo]]<ref>[https://rj-cargo.com/rj-destinations.html rj-cargo.com - Destinations] retrieved 20 July 2020</ref>}} | [[Queen Alia International Airport|Amman–Queen Alia]]
<!-- --> 
| [[Turkish Cargo]]<ref>[https://www.mstcargo.com/maastricht-aachen-airport-adds-three-cargo-flights-to-weekly-schedule/] retrieved 23 September 2023</ref> | [[Kotoka International Airport|Accra]] [[O'Hare International Airport|Chicago–O'Hare]], [[Istanbul Airport|Istanbul]], [[Miami International Airport|Miami]], [[Jomo Kenyatta International Airport|Nairobi–Jomo Kenyatta]], [[Mariscal Sucre International Airport|Quito]]
<!-- --> 
| [[Zimex Aviation]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Tijdelijk vrachtverkeer tussen 6 en 7 uur 's ochtends |url=https://www.maa.nl/tijdelijk-vrachtverkeer-tussen-6-en-7-uur-s-ochtends/ |website=maa.nl |date=25 October 2019 |publisher=Maastricht Aachen Airport |access-date=12 July 2023}}</ref> | [[Birmingham Airport|Birmingham]], [[Dublin Airport|Dublin]]
<!-- --> 
}}

==Statistics==
{| class="wikitable" width="60%"
!Year
!Passengers
!Cargo 
|-
|2006 ||270,086 ||54,000 
|-
|2007 ||134,579 {{decrease}} ||58,000 {{increase}}
|-
|2008 ||231,824 {{increase}} ||55,000 {{increase}}
|-
|2009 ||135,696 {{decrease}} ||53,000 {{decrease}}
|-
|2010 ||226,635 {{increase}} ||62,000 {{increase}}
|-
|2011 ||333,910 {{increase}} ||65,000 {{increase}}
|-
|2012 ||305,439 {{decrease}} ||52,000 {{decrease}}
|-
|2013 ||429,545 {{increase}} ||54,000 {{increase}}
|-
|2014 ||241,473 {{decrease}} ||57,000 {{increase}}
|-
|2015 ||195,180 {{decrease}} ||57,000 {{steady}}
|-
|2016 ||176,562 {{decrease}} ||60,000 {{increase}}
|-
|2017 ||167,544 {{decrease}} ||87,000 {{increase}}
|-
|2018 ||274,986 {{increase}} ||125,000 {{increase}}
|-
|2019 ||435,977 {{increase}} ||111,457 {{decrease}}
|-
|2020 ||81,080 {{decrease}} ||135,985 {{increase}}
|-
|2021 ||97,646 {{increase}} ||127,994 {{decrease}}
|-
|2022 ||266,032 {{Increase}} ||108,218 {{decrease}}
|-
|2023<ref>{{Cite web | title=Luchtvaart; maandcijfers Nederlandse luchthavens van nationaal belang {{!}} CBS | url=https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/cijfers/detail/37478hvv#TotaalGoederenvervoer_43 | access-date=2025-06-25 | website=www.cbs.nl}}</ref> ||223,152 {{decrease}} ||32,275 {{decrease}}
|-
|2024 ||230,932 {{increase}} || 29,448 {{decrease}}
|-
|}

Source: [[Statistics Netherlands]]<ref name="CBS">{{cite web|url=https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/37478hvv/table?dl=27EF6|title=Dutch Statistics Office Data on Maastricht Aachen Airport|website=www.cbs.nl}}</ref>

===Passenger===

<div class="center">
<timeline>
Colors=
  id:lightgrey value:gray(0.93)
  id:darkgrey  value:gray(0.8)
  id:sfondo value:rgb(1,1,1)
  id:barra value:rgb(0.6,0.7,0.8)

ImageSize  = width:850 height:360
PlotArea   = left:50 bottom:20 top:10 right:10
DateFormat = x.y
Period     = from:000000 till:500000
TimeAxis   = orientation:vertical
AlignBars  = justify
ScaleMajor = gridcolor:darkgrey increment:50000 start:000000
ScaleMinor = gridcolor:lightgrey increment:25000 start:000000
BackgroundColors = canvas:sfondo

BarData=
  bar:2006 text:2006
  bar:2007 text:2007
  bar:2008 text:2008
  bar:2009 text:2009
  bar:2010 text:2010
  bar:2011 text:2011
  bar:2012 text:2012
  bar:2013 text:2013
  bar:2014 text:2014
  bar:2015 text:2015
  bar:2016 text:2016
  bar:2017 text:2017
  bar:2018 text:2018
  bar:2019 text:2019
  bar:2020 text:2020
  bar:2021 text:2021
  bar:2022 text:2022
  bar:2023 text:2023

PlotData=
  color:barra width:38 align:left
  bar:2006 from:000000 till: 270086
  bar:2007 from:000000 till: 134579
  bar:2008 from:000000 till: 231824 
  bar:2009 from:000000 till: 135696
  bar:2010 from:000000 till: 226635
  bar:2011 from:000000 till: 333910
  bar:2012 from:000000 till: 305439
  bar:2013 from:000000 till: 429545
  bar:2014 from:000000 till: 241473
  bar:2015 from:000000 till: 195180
  bar:2016 from:000000 till: 176562
  bar:2017 from:000000 till: 167544
  bar:2018 from:000000 till: 274986
  bar:2019 from:000000 till: 435977
  bar:2020 from:000000 till: 81080
  bar:2021 from:000000 till: 97646
  bar:2022 from:000000 till: 266032
  bar:2023 from:000000 till: 223152
PlotData=
  bar:2006 at: 270000 fontsize:S text: 270.086 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2007 at: 135000 fontsize:S text: 134.579 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2008 at: 232000 fontsize:S text: 231.824 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2009 at: 136000 fontsize:S text: 135.696 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2010 at: 227000 fontsize:S text: 226.635 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2011 at: 334000 fontsize:S text: 333.910 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2012 at: 305000 fontsize:S text: 305.439 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2013 at: 430000 fontsize:S text: 429.545 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2014 at: 241000 fontsize:S text: 241.473 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2015 at: 195000 fontsize:S text: 195.180 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2016 at: 177000 fontsize:S text: 176.562 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2017 at: 168000 fontsize:S text: 167.544 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2018 at: 275000 fontsize:S text: 274.986 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2019 at: 431000 fontsize:S text: 430.030 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2020 at: 81000 fontsize:S text: 81.080 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2021 at: 98000 fontsize:S text: 97.646 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2022 at: 266000 fontsize:S text: 266.032 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2023 at: 223000 fontsize:S text: 223.152 shift:(-17,2)

</timeline>
</div>

===Cargo===

<div class="center">
<timeline>
Colors=
  id:lightgrey value:gray(0.93)
  id:darkgrey  value:gray(0.8)
  id:sfondo value:rgb(1,1,1)
  id:barra value:rgb(0.6,0.7,0.8)

ImageSize  = width:850 height:360
PlotArea   = left:50 bottom:20 top:10 right:10
DateFormat = x.y
Period     = from:000000 till:150000
TimeAxis   = orientation:vertical
AlignBars  = justify
ScaleMajor = gridcolor:darkgrey increment:50000 start:000000
ScaleMinor = gridcolor:lightgrey increment:25000 start:000000
BackgroundColors = canvas:sfondo

BarData=
  bar:2006 text:2006
  bar:2007 text:2007
  bar:2008 text:2008
  bar:2009 text:2009
  bar:2010 text:2010
  bar:2011 text:2011
  bar:2012 text:2012
  bar:2013 text:2013
  bar:2014 text:2014
  bar:2015 text:2015
  bar:2016 text:2016
  bar:2017 text:2017
  bar:2018 text:2018
  bar:2019 text:2019
  bar:2020 text:2020
  bar:2021 text:2021
  bar:2022 text:2022
  bar:2023 text:2023
PlotData=
  color:barra width:38 align:left
  bar:2006 from:000000 till: 54000
  bar:2007 from:000000 till: 58000
  bar:2008 from:000000 till: 55000 
  bar:2009 from:000000 till: 53000
  bar:2010 from:000000 till: 62000
  bar:2011 from:000000 till: 65000
  bar:2012 from:000000 till: 52000
  bar:2013 from:000000 till: 54000
  bar:2014 from:000000 till: 57000
  bar:2015 from:000000 till: 57000
  bar:2016 from:000000 till: 60000
  bar:2017 from:000000 till: 87000
  bar:2018 from:000000 till: 125000
  bar:2019 from:000000 till: 109000
  bar:2020 from:000000 till: 136000
  bar:2021 from:000000 till: 128000
  bar:2022 from:000000 till: 108000
  bar:2023 from:000000 till: 32275
PlotData=
  bar:2006 at: 54000 fontsize:S text: 54.000 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2007 at: 58000 fontsize:S text: 58.000 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2008 at: 55000 fontsize:S text: 55.000 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2009 at: 53000 fontsize:S text: 53.000 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2010 at: 62000 fontsize:S text: 62.000 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2011 at: 65000 fontsize:S text: 65.000 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2012 at: 52000 fontsize:S text: 52.000 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2013 at: 54000 fontsize:S text: 54.000 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2014 at: 57000 fontsize:S text: 57.000 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2015 at: 57000 fontsize:S text: 57.000 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2016 at: 60000 fontsize:S text: 60.000 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2017 at: 87000 fontsize:S text: 87.000 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2018 at: 125000 fontsize:S text: 125.000 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2019 at: 111457 fontsize:S text: 111.457 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2020 at: 135985 fontsize:S text: 135.985 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2021 at: 127994 fontsize:S text: 127.994 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2022 at: 108218 fontsize:S text: 108.218 shift:(-17,2)
  bar:2023 at: 32275 fontsize:S text: 32.275 shift:(-17,2)
</timeline>
</div>

==Other facilities==

Jet Center - Maastricht Aachen Airport (MAA) provides handling for general aviation aircraft. Jet Center operates from a hangar situated on the East side of the airport.

Maas Aviation has operated an aircraft painting facility at the airport since the late 1980s. In 2017 it doubled its capacity when it opened a second adjacent paint shop hangar.

Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre (MUAC) of the [[European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation]] (EUROCONTROL) is located next to the airport.

Samco Aircraft Maintenance B.V. operates from a hangar on the east side of the airport and supports a wide range of aircraft maintenance activities. Building work on a second adjacent hangar was completed in 2018.

Aviation Competence Centre (ACC) is a training organization for aircraft mechanics and is located at the airport.

==Facilities==
A modern hotel operated by GR8 is located 50 metres from the terminal building The GR8 hotel opened 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.maa.nl/gr8-hotels-opent-volgend-jaar-hotel-op-maastricht-airport/ |title = Gr8 Hotels opent volgend jaar hotel op Maastricht Airport - Maastricht Aachen Airport|date = 27 August 2019}}</ref>

The airport has two car parks. P1 short/long term 'comfort' parking and P 2 long term parking.

==Ground transportation==

===Car===
The airport is located along [[A2 motorway (Netherlands)|motorway A2]], exit 50. Taxis are available at the airport.

===Bus===
There is bus service (line 30), operated by [[Arriva]], running every 30 mins to [[Maastricht]] and [[Sittard]]. This line also covers the transport connections from the airport to the national rail network via [[Maastricht railway station]] and [[Sittard railway station]].

[[KLM]] operates a bus connection service to [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol]] via [[Eindhoven Airport]] and to [[Maastricht railway station]].<ref>{{cite web|title=KLM Bus schedule|url=https://www.klm.com.my/information/ticket-services/klm-bus-schedule}}</ref> Tickets to use this service are an add-on to a KLM flight ticket.

===Bicycle===
The airport is situated along the Sittard-Maastricht fast cycling route, which is designed to encourage more people to cycle.

==See also==
*[[Advanced Landing Ground#Y-44 to Y-64|Advanced Landing Ground]]

==References==

===Citations===
{{reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
*{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
*Vleugels, M (1987). ''Maastricht Airport 1919-1947-1987'', De Limburger.

==External links==
{{Commons category-inline}}
* [http://www.maa.nl/ Official website]
* {{NWS-current|EHBK}}
* {{ASN|MST}}

{{Portal bar|Netherlands|Aviation}}
{{Maastricht}}
{{Airports in the Netherlands}}
{{Netherlands–United States relations}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Airfields of the United States Army Air Forces]]
[[Category:Airports established in 1945]]
[[Category:Airports in Limburg (Netherlands)]]
[[Category:South Limburg (Netherlands)]]
[[Category:Transport in Maastricht]]
[[Category:Aachen]]
[[Category:Beek]]
[[Category:1945 establishments in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:International airports in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:20th-century architecture in the Netherlands]]