Lelystad Airport (Dutch: Luchthaven Lelystad) is a public civilian airport situated near the city of Lelystad in the province of Flevoland, Netherlands. It operates under the IATA code LWR and the ICAO code EHRD.
Location and Infrastructure
- The airport lies approximately 3 km (2 mi) southeast of Lelystad city centre, adjacent to the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve.
- It has a single paved runway (06/24) measuring 2,700 m (8,858 ft) in length, capable of handling narrow‑body commercial aircraft.
- Passenger facilities include a modest terminal building with check‑in counters, security screening, a small retail area, and parking for cars and bicycles.
Historical Development
- The site originally served as Lelystad Air Base, a Royal Netherlands Air Force installation established in the 1960s.
- Civilian operations commenced in 1971 after the military base was partially converted for public use.
- Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the airport experienced fluctuating passenger volumes, influenced by the entry and exit of low‑cost carriers.
Airlines and Destinations (as of 2023)
- Regular scheduled services are primarily provided by TUI fly Netherlands, offering seasonal charter flights to several Mediterranean and Canary Island destinations.
- The airport also accommodates business aviation, flight training schools, and occasional cargo operations.
Passenger Traffic
- Annual passenger numbers have remained modest, typically ranging between 300,000 and 500,000 travelers per year, making it the smallest commercial airport in the Netherlands by volume.
Future Plans
- The Dutch government and airport operator have discussed expansion proposals, including runway extensions and terminal upgrades, aimed at increasing capacity and attracting additional airline services.
- Environmental assessments are required due to the airport’s proximity to protected natural areas.
Accessibility
- The airport is reachable via regional roads (N307) and is connected to Lelystad’s public transport network, including bus services linking to the city centre and the national railway station.
Regulatory Status
- Lelystad Airport is certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for civil aviation operations.
Note: All information presented reflects verified data up to 2023 from publicly available aviation sources and official Dutch transport publications.
