Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), considered the second largest cargo hub in the Netherlands, has started renovation work on its runway as part of an €100-million infrastructure investment plan over the next few years.

The regional airport is investing €35.3 million in its runway upgrade between May and June in anticipation of a project to extend its operational length to 2,750 metres by January 2025.

“Maastricht has much to offer the Dutch air cargo community, with no slot restrictions or congestion at the airport and now a significant infrastructure investment program,” said Jos Roeven, CEO of MST.

“We are CEIV-Pharma certified and the preferred station for flower imports into the Netherlands, as well as specializing in handling dangerous goods and e-commerce, and we will be focusing on further developing our facilities with this investment.”

MST is the European base for Turkish Cargo and Royal Jordanian, and the regional airport serves as an online station for Emirates, Qatar, and Saudia. The airport is free of slot restrictions, offers full Fifth Freedom of The Air rights, and has its own maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities.

“There is a fantastic opportunity in the current market for regional airports to step up for the cargo industry and help drive a more sustainable future for freight, whilst at the same time creating job opportunities for our local communities.”