Vooruit calls to end subsidies for loss-making Antwerp Airport
Antwerp Airport is in a troubling financial state, according to its latest annual report. The Deurne-based airport continues to operate at a structural loss and relies on government support to stay afloat. This has prompted Flemish government party Vooruit to call for an end to its subsidies.
Despite maintaining steady revenue and deferring some costs, Antwerp Airport recorded a net loss of 658,000 euro last year — a sharp increase from around 81,000 euro in 2023. Its cumulative losses have now reached 2.3 million euro. Additionally, operating profit fell nearly 900,000 euro into the red, and the airport currently holds 9.9 million euro in debt.
Given its fragile finances, the airport remains heavily reliant on funding from the Flemish Region and its French parent company, Egis. In its annual review, management said the cash flow remains stable, "but government support remains necessary to cope with crisis after crisis."
Future in doubt
Vooruit, the socialist party within the Flemish government, is now urging a complete halt to investment in the airport. Kris Verduyckt, group leader for Vooruit in the Flemish Parliament, told Radio 2 on Friday that his party does not see a future for Antwerp Airport.
Verduyckt pointed out that annual passenger numbers have dropped from 300,000 before the COVID-19 pandemic to just 200,000 today. Unlike other regional airports such as Oostende, Antwerp barely handles any cargo flights to boost its income.
"We are burning up resources on airports that barely attract people but cost the taxpayer a lot of money"
"We are burning up resources on airports that barely attract people but cost the taxpayer a lot of money," Verduyckt said. "We should provide schools, public transport, healthcare, but I don't think Flanders should provide planes from every big city."
Antwerp Airport is not the only airport in Flanders with an uncertain future. Although Ostend Airport made a profit last year, it is experiencing a decline in revenue, as well as stagnating air freight and passenger numbers.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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