Eindhoven Airport Bans Business Jets: Where Did Dutch Aircraft Relocate?

January 6, 2026 at 12:00 AM•3 min read

Eindhoven Airport has banned all fossil-fuel private aircraft operations as of January 1, 2026, forcing based business jets to relocate to other Dutch airports in a move targeting noise and CO2 reduction.

Key Points

1Eindhoven Airport banned all fossil-fuel private aircraft operations starting January 1, 2026, as part of a 30% noise and CO2 reduction plan by 2030.
2The ban forced based business aircraft to relocate to other Dutch airports, impacting regional business aviation infrastructure.
3The airport will only permit latest-generation aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 NEO and Boeing 737 MAX, for commercial flights by 2030.
4Electric aircraft and 500 annual 'social traffic' movements (e.g., medical flights) are exempt from the new restrictions.

The Netherlands’ Eindhoven Airport private jet ban is now in effect. Starting January 1, 2026, the airport prohibits all fossil-fuel business aircraft operations Netherlands. This measure is a key part of the airport's sustainability strategy. The move forces based fossil-fuel private aircraft to seek new homes. They have since relocated to other Dutch airports, according to industry reports.

Policy Implementation and Goals

Eindhoven Airport (EHEH) announced the ban in late 2023. The policy aims to meet ambitious sustainable aviation goals 2030. Specifically, the airport targets a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions and noise exposure. This reduction is measured against 2019 levels. Airport management stated that private flights have a disproportionately large environmental impact. They noted the high noise and CO2 footprint per passenger. Furthermore, these flights only marginally meet the region’s mobility needs. The airport is the second in the country to move against business aviation. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol also revealed plans for a similar ban.

Impact on Business Aviation

The ban directly affects the business aircraft operations Netherlands landscape. Eindhoven was the country's third-busiest airport for business aviation traffic. It recorded over 2,100 movements in 2022. The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) voiced opposition to the ban. The EBAA questioned the airport's environmental motivations. They argued the decision appeared commercially driven. The association has sought to overturn the ban. This policy shift highlights growing tension between climate goals and business aviation access across Europe.

Exemptions and Future Fleet

The new rules do not apply to all aircraft. The airport remains open to electric aircraft, including eVTOLs. Additionally, 500 movements annually are reserved for “social traffic”. This includes medical missions and sustainable development flights. The airport also implemented other measures to achieve its 2030 targets. They capped the total number of flights at 40,500 annually for 2026 and 2027. By 2030, only latest-generation aircraft only will be allowed. This means only modern jets like the Airbus A320 NEO and Boeing 737 MAX will be permitted. This commitment signals a strong push for fleet renewal. The overall goal is a significant Dutch airport noise reduction. For more commercial aviation news and analysis on global airport policies, visit flying.flights.

The decision sets a precedent for other regional airports in Europe. It prioritizes noise and carbon reduction over business traffic.
Relocation pressure increases on nearby airports. They must now absorb the displaced based business jets.
The policy encourages the adoption of electric and sustainable aircraft technology.