Secret deal commits Flanders to subsidise Antwerp and Ostend airports until 2039

A confidential agreement between the Flemish government and French airport operator Egis has revealed that Flanders has committed to subsidising Antwerp and Ostend airports until at least 26 October 2039, despite plans to reduce public support. The document, accidentally published on the Flemish Parliament’s intranet, outlines the settlement of a long-running financial dispute between both parties.

Under the agreement, Egis dropped its claim for €14.83 million in allegedly unpaid subsidies, while the Flemish government waived €12.1 million in outstanding payments owed by the airport operator. Egis also committed to settling two overdue 2025 invoices by 1 January 2028 and to paying all future invoices on time.

In addition, Flanders agreed to finance the renovation of the aircraft apron at Antwerp Airport and cover further environmental remediation costs. Flemish Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder defended the agreement, insisting that the government was not issuing “blank cheques” and describing Antwerp Airport as strategically important for the city and its port.