The Netherlands, known for its compact geography and excellent infrastructure, boasts an efficient network of airports that cater to both domestic and international travel. From the globally renowned Amsterdam Schiphol to regional airports connecting nearby European destinations, Dutch airports play a vital role in tourism, business, and logistics. Based on 2023 passenger traffic, here is a detailed list of the top 10 busiest airports in the Netherlands with descriptions:
1. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) – Amsterdam
Passengers in 2023: 61.9 million
Description: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the largest and busiest airport in the Netherlands and one of Europe’s top five. Located just 9 km southwest of Amsterdam, it serves as a major hub for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and a key transit point for intercontinental flights. Schiphol is known for its expansive single-terminal concept, luxury shopping, and excellent connectivity. Despite staffing challenges in 2022, 2023 saw significant recovery in passenger traffic, although still below pre-pandemic levels.
2. Eindhoven Airport (EIN) – Eindhoven
Passengers in 2023: 6.9 million
Description: Eindhoven Airport is the second-busiest airport in the Netherlands. It primarily serves budget carriers such as Ryanair, Transavia, and Wizz Air. Located in the southern part of the country, it caters mostly to European leisure and city-break destinations. The airport is popular for its ease of use, quick boarding processes, and modern amenities, making it a favorite among Dutch travelers seeking affordable options.
Explore More- Top 10 Busiest Airports in China: A Gateway to the World
3. Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) – Rotterdam
Passengers in 2023: 2.2 million
Description: Strategically located between Rotterdam and The Hague, this airport offers convenient access to both cities. Rotterdam The Hague Airport primarily handles short-haul European flights, with airlines such as Transavia offering services to destinations in Spain, Portugal, and Italy. It’s favored for its smaller size, which translates into faster security checks and boarding times. In 2023, the airport saw a moderate rise in traffic compared to 2022.
4. Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) – Maastricht
Passengers in 2023: 223,152
Description: Situated in the Limburg province near the German and Belgian borders, Maastricht Aachen Airport serves as a regional hub for both passenger and cargo traffic. While passenger flights are limited and mostly seasonal, it plays a vital role in air freight logistics. In 2023, the airport experienced a dip in passenger numbers due to a temporary closure for runway maintenance. Nevertheless, it remains important for the southern region of the country.
5. Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ) – Groningen
Passengers in 2023: 108,535
Description: Groningen Airport Eelde is the northernmost commercial airport in the Netherlands. Although smaller in scale, it connects the northern provinces to holiday destinations across Europe, particularly in Spain and Greece. It also supports flight training and private aviation. In 2023, the airport saw a 24.5% increase in passenger numbers, indicating growing demand for regional air travel.
Explore More- List of Top 10 Busiest Airport in Greece
6. Lelystad Airport (LEY) – Lelystad
Passengers in 2023: No regular commercial traffic
Description: Lelystad Airport is currently under redevelopment to become a secondary overflow airport for Schiphol. While it presently handles general aviation and flight training, it has been earmarked for future commercial flights. Despite multiple delays in approval for commercial use, the infrastructure is in place, and passenger services may start in the coming years, potentially boosting its status in the top 10.
7. Texel International Airport (EHTX) – Texel Island
Passengers in 2023: Primarily general aviation
Description: This small airstrip on Texel Island caters to general aviation, skydiving, and scenic flights. Though it doesn’t see commercial airline traffic, it is a notable regional airport due to its touristic importance. It’s a key player for adventure aviation and a hub for aviation enthusiasts visiting the island.
8. Ameland Airport Ballum (EHAL) – Ameland Island
Passengers in 2023: Light aviation and emergency use
Description: Serving the island of Ameland, this is another small regional airport focused on light aircraft, air ambulance services, and some charter flights. It does not support regular commercial traffic but is essential for emergency evacuations and seasonal charter activity. It plays a modest but vital role for the island’s connectivity.
Explore More- List of Top 10 Busiest Airports in Germany
9. Hilversum Airport (EHHV) – Hilversum
Passengers in 2023: Flight training and private planes
Description: Hilversum Airport is a non-commercial airfield used extensively for flight training and gliding. Located in the heart of the Netherlands, it serves private pilots and students from across the country. While it doesn’t contribute to major passenger numbers, its importance in pilot education and general aviation earns it a place in the broader airport network.
10. De Kooy Airfield (Den Helder Airport) – Den Helder
Passengers in 2023: Specialized civil and military traffic
Description: Den Helder Airport is primarily a heliport for offshore oil and gas operations in the North Sea, and also supports military and rescue missions. It handles limited civilian passenger traffic, usually related to the offshore industry. Its specialized operations make it a critical asset despite low public visibility.
Final Thoughts
While Amsterdam Schiphol remains the undisputed leader in terms of passenger volume and international importance, regional airports like Eindhoven and Rotterdam The Hague have carved out strong niches by serving short-haul and low-cost carriers. Other airports, though smaller in size, are critical for regional access, training, and special-purpose aviation.
With increasing demand and ongoing upgrades in infrastructure, the Netherlands continues to enhance its reputation as a well-connected air travel hub in Europe.
image Credits- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol