Noord-Brabant and Limburg are among the most international parts of the Netherlands. The Brainport region around Eindhoven, the logistics corridor along the A2 and the border cities of Maastricht and Venlo all generate a steady flow of business travel, and for years Eindhoven Airport was the natural place to start a private flight.
That has changed. Since 1 January 2026, Eindhoven no longer accepts business jet flights, and from February until 19 July 2027 the airport will close completely while its runway is rebuilt.
The good news is that the south is unusually well served. Four capable airports sit within roughly an hour's drive of Eindhoven, across three countries, and each has its own strengths. This guide compares them and explains how we choose between them when planning a flight.
What has changed at Eindhoven
Eindhoven announced its business aviation ban in November 2023 as part of a plan to cut CO2 emissions and noise by 30 per cent, and it took effect at the start of this year. Before the ban, Eindhoven handled around 2,100 business aviation movements a year, making it the third busiest Dutch airport for private flights.
Since then, several operators and aircraft that were based at Eindhoven have relocated to other airports nearby, so private flying in the region has moved rather than disappeared.
The 2027 closure is about investment. The runway will be widened and better drained, a new taxiway will reduce the need for aircraft to cross the runway, and new runway lighting will allow landings in dense fog. The terminal expansion will also be finished. Airline flights resume on 19 July 2027, although business jets will remain excluded, so the alternatives below are here to stay.
The alternatives at a glance
- Maastricht Aachen (MST), Netherlands. About 1 hour from Eindhoven. 2,750 m runway. Best for all jet sizes, and for travellers in Limburg, Aachen and Liège.
- Antwerp (ANR), Belgium. About 1 hour from Eindhoven. Runway just over 1,500 m. Best for light and midsize jets, and for travellers in West Brabant and Antwerp.
- Weeze (NRN), Germany. About 1 hour from Eindhoven. 2,440 m runway. Best for all but the largest jets, and for travellers in east Brabant, Nijmegen and Venlo.
- Rotterdam The Hague (RTM), Netherlands. About 1 hour 15 minutes from Eindhoven. 2,200 m runway. Best for West Brabant and trips combined with the Randstad.
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Netherlands. About 1 hour 30 minutes from Eindhoven. Best for long-range flights and the widest choice of aircraft.
Drive times are approximate and assume normal traffic.
Maastricht Aachen: the natural replacement
For most travellers in Limburg and central Brabant, Maastricht is the first airport to consider. Its 2,750 m runway is long enough for every business jet, including long-range types, so aircraft choice is rarely limited by the airport.
Private passengers use a dedicated general aviation terminal with lounges, run by ASL Jet Handling since 2019, and customs and immigration are handled on site. The airport is far quieter than Schiphol, which makes short-notice departures easier to arrange, and Maastricht city centre is about 15 minutes away by car. For travellers heading to Aachen or Liège, it is equally convenient.
Antwerp: compact and close for West Brabant
Antwerp's airport sits about 5 km from the city centre and has a general aviation terminal that opened in 2015, with FBOs run by ASL Private Jet Services and FLYINGGROUP. For travellers in Breda, Bergen op Zoom and Roosendaal, it is often the closest airport of all.
The runway is just over 1,500 m, which suits light and midsize jets and turboprops. Larger cabins usually need Maastricht, Weeze or Brussels instead, so Antwerp works best for short European trips with smaller groups. The airport is open from 06:00 to 23:00.
Weeze: room to grow just across the border
Weeze, in Germany, sits about 33 km from Nijmegen and is a natural choice for travellers in east Brabant, Nijmegen, Venlo and Arnhem. It is a customs airport with a 2,440 m runway, long enough for all but the largest business jets, and it is home to the private jet operator Exxaero-Jet.
When Eindhoven announced its ban, Weeze said it had capacity available for business traffic, and the airport has a strong record of welcoming private flights for events such as the Parookaville festival.
Rotterdam The Hague and Schiphol
Rotterdam has become a new home for several aircraft that left Eindhoven, which can reduce positioning costs for flights from the south. It suits travellers in West Brabant and anyone combining a trip with meetings in Rotterdam or The Hague.
Schiphol, where our office is based, is a longer drive but offers the widest choice of aircraft and is often the best option for long-range flights. Our guide to private jet charter from the Netherlands covers both airports in more detail.
How to choose the right airport
Start from where your passengers are. The best airport is the one closest to the group, not to the company address. A team in Breda and a family in Venlo will rarely use the same airport.
Match the aircraft to the runway. A light jet to Paris works well from Antwerp. A super-midsize jet to the Canary Islands or a long-range jet to the Middle East is better suited to Maastricht or Weeze.
Think about where the aircraft is based. Positioning an aircraft from elsewhere adds cost. Choosing an airport where suitable aircraft are already based can lower the price, as our private jet charter pricing guide explains.
Crossing a border is straightforward. Flights within the Schengen area need no passport control, and all four alternatives have customs facilities for international trips.
Larger groups have options too. For teams and incentive groups that need a bigger aircraft, our group charter coordination guide explains how the choice of aircraft and airport is made.
Our view
Losing Eindhoven is a real change for regular flyers in the region, but few parts of Europe have this much choice within an hour's drive. Maastricht, Antwerp and Weeze each do something well, and with the right match between passengers, aircraft and airport, door-to-door journey times often change very little. For many trips, the new options will be faster and more flexible than before.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still fly a private jet from Eindhoven Airport?
No. Eindhoven has not accepted business jet flights since 1 January 2026, and the airport is closed to all traffic from February until 19 July 2027 for runway works.
What is the closest alternative to Eindhoven for a private flight?
Maastricht Aachen, Antwerp and Weeze are each about an hour's drive from Eindhoven. The best choice depends on where passengers are starting from and which aircraft is needed.
Can large private jets use Antwerp Airport?
Antwerp's runway is just over 1,500 m, which suits light and midsize jets. Larger and long-range jets usually depart from Maastricht Aachen or Weeze instead.
Do I need a passport to fly privately from Belgium or Germany?
Flights within the Schengen area need no passport control, although passengers should still carry valid ID. All the airports in this guide have customs facilities for flights outside Schengen.
Planning a flight from the south of the Netherlands?
If you are planning private charter from Brabant or Limburg, request a quote. Tell us where your passengers are starting from and where they need to be, and our team will recommend the best airport and aircraft for the trip.
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