For most private flights from the Randstad, Schiphol has always been the obvious starting point. Our own office sits there, and it remains the airport with the widest choice of aircraft in the country.
But in 2026, Schiphol is no longer the only sensible answer. Slots are harder to secure, Eindhoven has closed to business jets, and when we plan flights we increasingly find that the best option for a trip is Rotterdam The Hague, Antwerp or Brussels.
Schiphol remains central to private flying in the Netherlands, but it is now one of several good options. This guide looks at why, and how we decide which airport suits each trip.
What is behind the shift
Slot pressure at Schiphol. Schiphol is a fully coordinated airport, so every arrival and departure needs a slot, and the government's plan caps the airport at 478,000 flights a year. Airlines hold most of that capacity. Business aviation competes for what is left, and at busy times of day there is often very little.
The Eindhoven ban. Since 1 January 2026, Eindhoven has accepted airline traffic only. According to the European Business Aviation Association, many of the aircraft previously based there moved to Rotterdam. We covered the alternatives for the south in our guide to flying private from the south of the Netherlands.
Together, these changes are reshaping where private flights from the Netherlands begin. Where a client is flexible on the departure airport, we often find that the slot, the aircraft and the price line up better away from Schiphol.
The options at a glance
- —Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). The widest choice of aircraft, every jet size and long-range flights, with a dedicated general aviation terminal. Slots are the main constraint.
- —Rotterdam The Hague (RTM). About an hour from Amsterdam and 25 minutes from The Hague. A 2,198 m runway suits light, midsize and super-midsize jets. Open from 07:00 to 23:00 local time.
- —Antwerp (ANR). About 1 hour 45 minutes from Amsterdam. The runway is just over 1,500 m, so it works best for light and midsize jets on European trips.
- —Brussels (BRU). About 2 hours 15 minutes from Amsterdam. Long runways, dedicated business aviation handling and room for the largest cabins.
Drive times are approximate and assume normal traffic.
When Schiphol is still the right choice
Schiphol remains the best departure point for many trips. It suits long-range flights and large cabins, passengers who live or work in Amsterdam, and journeys that connect with an airline flight. It also has the most aircraft based nearby, which keeps positioning costs down. Our guide to private jet charter from the Netherlands covers how departures from the general aviation terminal work.
The trade-off is timing. If your preferred slot is not available, the choice is between moving the departure time or moving the airport.
When Rotterdam makes more sense
For passengers in The Hague, Rotterdam, Delft or the Westland, Rotterdam is often closer than Schiphol and quicker to pass through. Its runway covers most European trips, and with aircraft that relocated from Eindhoven now based there, a suitable jet may already be on the ground. That can remove a positioning leg from the price.
Rotterdam also works well for a day of meetings in several cities. Our page on business charter shows how several meetings in different cities fit into one working day.
Looking across the border
Antwerp is a natural choice for passengers in Zeeland and West Brabant, and for short European trips with smaller groups. Brussels is further from the Randstad but takes every aircraft size, which matters for long-range flights or larger groups when Schiphol slots are tight. Both are in the Schengen area, so flights to other Schengen countries need no passport control.
How we choose the right airport
Start from where your passengers are. The closest airport to the group usually beats the closest airport to the office address.
Match the aircraft to the runway. A light jet to Paris works almost anywhere. A long-range jet to the Middle East narrows the choice to Schiphol or Brussels.
Check where suitable aircraft are based. Choosing an airport where the right jet is already parked can lower the cost, as our private jet charter pricing guide explains.
Be open about timing. Telling us which times and airports would work, not only your first choice, gives us the most room to secure a slot.
Our view
Schiphol is not losing its place as the main airport for private flying in the Netherlands. But with a cap on flights and Eindhoven closed to business jets, it is no longer the only sensible answer. For many trips, Rotterdam or one of the Belgian airports gives an easier slot and a shorter journey door to door. We look at all of them for every request.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still fly private from Schiphol?
Yes. Schiphol has a dedicated general aviation terminal and handles business jets every day. Slots are more limited than they used to be, so flexible timing helps.
Is flying private from Rotterdam cheaper than from Schiphol?
It can be, mainly when a suitable aircraft is already based in Rotterdam and no positioning flight is needed. The price depends on the aircraft, the route and the dates.
Do I need a passport to fly privately from Antwerp or Brussels?
Flights within the Schengen area need no passport control, although passengers should carry valid ID. Both airports have customs and immigration for flights outside Schengen.
Planning a private flight from the Netherlands?
If you are planning private charter from the Randstad or the south, request a quote. Tell us where your passengers are starting from and when they need to travel, and our team will compare the airports and recommend the best fit for the trip.
