Flanders becomes largest shareholder in Brussels Airport
The Flemish government is investing 2.77 billion euros in Brussels Airport Company through its investment fund PMV, giving it a 39 per cent stake. Flanders thus becomes the largest shareholder in Brussels Airport.
Flanders already had a small stake of around one per cent in Brussels Airport. The increase to 39 per cent is largely due to the acquisition of the share package that the Canadian pension fund OTPP had put up for sale.
“We want to be in the cockpit when it comes to the future of our airport”
“We want to be in the cockpit when it comes to the future of our airport,” declared Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele. “If we are not involved, someone else will make the decisions for us.”
The Flemish government leader acknowledges that 2.77 billion euros is a substantial investment, but he is confident that the investment will pay for itself through dividends from 2028 onwards. “From 2028 onwards, the dividends will be higher than the interest. This is an investment that will pay for itself,” he stated.
Stake of federal government
Brussels Airport is Flanders' second economic growth hub, accounting for 60,000 direct and indirect jobs. The airport plays a crucial role in exports, air freight and international connectivity.
The federal government, which already has a 25 per cent stake plus a share in the airport, also considered increasing its own participation. But now Flanders becomes a larger shareholder than the federal government.
#FlandersNewsService | Brussels Airport © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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