‘Bankrupt’ Antwerp Airport survives on millions in public subsidies, critics say

Environmental activists have branded Antwerp Airport (Deurne) “bankrupt in all but name,” accusing authorities of propping it up with taxpayer money to serve mostly private jets and leisure flights.

According to VRT News, the airport lost about €2.3 million in 2024, its fifth straight year in the red, and would collapse without government aid. Over the past decade, public authorities have injected more than €100 million in direct subsidies, with additional infrastructure projects still planned.

Critics, including Greenpeace Belgium’s Joeri Thijs, argue the airport’s business model is unsustainable: “Keeping it open with taxpayers’ money is pure madness in a time of climate crisis. The funds could be better used for public transport that serves everyone.”

About 70% of the airport’s income depends on TUI, which operates most commercial flights from Antwerp. When TUI aircraft faced technical issues last year, operations and revenue virtually stopped.

The Flemish Government, which oversees the airport, insists the subsidies are justified, citing a study estimating €70 million in annual economic impact and 1,000 jobs. Officials said the funding supports essential public services and complies with EU state aid rules, adding that Antwerp will focus on business travel and green technologies such as electric aircraft and drones.

Environmentalists remain sceptical, dismissing the plans as “a nice story” that doesn’t address immediate emissions or long-term viability. Many argue that maintaining four airports in Flanders spreads pollution unnecessarily and call for redeveloping the Deurne site into green space for local communities.