Lelystad airport tipped as home base for F-35 fighter jets

Lelystad airport, redeveloped to handle commercial traffic but still closed due to political wrangling, is set to become the new home base for the Dutch air force’s fleet of F-35 fighter jets, the Telegraaf reported on Thursday.

Sources in The Hague told the paper that the plan has been finalised and that ministers are expected to vote on it within two weeks.

According to the report, ministers will be asked to decide on two proposals. One is to open Lelystad airport for a maximum of 10,000 take-offs and landings by holiday charter flights, allowing Schiphol to focus more on business and intercontinental travel.

The second is to make Lelystad the home base for the F-35 fleet. Defence ministry research indicates that Lelystad is the most suitable location, as fewer people would be affected by aircraft noise.

The Netherlands currently has 40 F-35s, but that number is set to rise to 57. Additional capacity is also needed to temporarily station foreign fighter jets, the paper said.

The province of Flevoland, where Lelystad is located, has been urging the government to clarify its plans for the airport so that “locals and landowners know where they stand”. Some €250 million has been spent so far on the redevelopment.

Last October, infrastructure minister Barry Madlener said he hoped to open Lelystad airport for holiday flights this year, despite a majority of MPs opposing the move.

Opponents argue that environmental concerns, public health risks and nitrogen emissions make it irresponsible to open a new civilian airport at the site. Lelystad is currently used by private aircraft and a flying school.

Many charter airlines have also expressed resistance to being relocated to Lelystad, which lacks a direct link to Schiphol and has no train station.