In a few months time, Antwerp International Airport (ANR) in Deurne will be rebranded to Antwerp City Airport. Since September 2024, Antwerp‘s airport has a new CEO: Bruno De Saegher (55).

Talking to Gazet van Antwerpen, De Saegher, envisions a vibrant future for the airport. The new CEO aims to transform the airport into a center for sustainable aviation by integrating electric air taxis and drones, in addition to traditional flights. A longtime resident of the area, he stresses that airport noise has significantly decreased over the years, aiming to counter the perception of nuisance among locals.

Diversifying 

De Saegher’s appointment began amid challenges: the grounding of TUI Fly’s planes due to global spare part shortages severely impacted passenger numbers during peak season. 

This incident, however, did highlight the airport’s vulnerability due to its reliance on a single major carrier. To mitigate this, De Saegher intends to expand revenue sources, focusing on services and facilities that don’t solely depend on passenger numbers. 

Plans include demolishing an unused hall to create space for new aviation-related businesses, a revived food service industry, and increased passenger targets.

A ‘green’ airport

De Saegher envisions Antwerp City Airport becoming a ‘green’ hub, powered by solar energy. This renewable energy would eventually support electric aircraft and other innovative modes of transport. 

In the next decade, he anticipates integrating eVTOLs—electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles—and creating a ‘droneport’ for transporting goods such as industrial or medical supplies. 

This rebranding aligns with the airport’s new strategic approach to proximity-based, sustainable aviation. Although De Saegher acknowledges that electric aviation for long-distance flights is still years away, he believes that innovation in shorter, greener flights can serve as a prototype for sustainable aviation.

Short runway

He is optimistic about convincing critics of the airport’s green transformation. He believes that the airport’s compact runway and central location make it an ideal testing ground for emission-free aviation. 

De Saegher argues that the environmental movement should support this initiative, particularly as Antwerp City Airport could set the stage for eco-friendly aviation across Flanders.

Opposition

Despite some opposition and bureaucratic hurdles, De Saegher has held consultation meetings with local authorities and residents to foster transparency. However, he notes the polarization of opinions around the airport’s future and the substantial legal expenses incurred in environmental permits.

Responding to criticism that Deurne serves only a privileged few, De Saegher refutes this as populism. He argues that the airport provides strategic, defense, and transport value for the region, making it distinct from commercial enterprises like chemical companies. 

De Saegher believes that Flanders should actively invest in aviation to remain competitive with neighboring areas that are advancing in this sector. Not doing so, he argues, is tantamount to ‘horse-and-cart’ thinking.

Connectivity

On private aviation, he defends the modest increase in landing fees for private jets, explaining that this gradual approach is needed to balance market demands and foster economic sustainability. 

Future development could see Antwerp positioning itself as a hub for short-haul flights, with convenient connections to Brussels Airport in Zaventem and other regional airports. 

A new shuttle bus service from the airport to Antwerp-Berchem Railway Station is already enhancing connectivity, making the airport a viable option for regional transport.

In his vision for the next decade, De Saegher sees Antwerp City Airport running on green energy, with electric and drone-based transport integrating seamlessly alongside improved, quieter traditional aviation. 

He believes that the challenges faced in recent years—from the pandemic to legal disputes—have positioned the airport for a successful and innovative future. 

“We will look back and be glad we didn’t close the airport”, he concludes, confident that Antwerp City Airport’s evolution will ultimately benefit the region and serve as a model for sustainable aviation.

Antwerp International Airport?

Antwerp International Airport is a regional airport that primarily serves short-haul European destinations. 

Historically, the airport has played a strategic role in local and regional transportation and has been an alternative to the much larger Brussels Airport for travelers in northern Belgium.

1921

Antwerp International Airport dates back to 1921, established to support commercial and military aviation within Belgium. Its strategic importance grew in the mid-20th century as it provided a military base during World War II, after which it transformed into a commercial airport. Post-war, the airport mainly handled regional and domestic flights, maintaining a steady yet limited passenger flow. 

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, various efforts were made to increase the airport’s capacity and expand its operations, though the short runway of 1,500 metres remains a limiting factor for large, long-haul flights. Despite these limitations, the airport has cultivated a niche market focused on short-haul and private flights.

Pros of Antwerp International Airport

Antwerp International Airport offers numerous advantages, particularly for local passengers and the economy. 

One of the main benefits is its accessibility; the airport’s proximity to Antwerp’s city centre makes it an ideal option for quick flights without the extended travel times associated with larger airports. Although public transport links could be much better. 

Additionally, for business travelers, Antwerp International Airport’s location and operations streamline short-distance travel across Europe, fostering economic connections.

Cons and controversies

Antwerp International Airport has faced significant criticism and challenges. The airport’s expansion has drawn opposition from local residents and environmental advocates, primarily due to concerns over noise pollution, air quality, and ecological impact. As a city-adjacent airport, even moderate flight traffic can have noticeable effects 

on the surrounding neighborhoods, causing disruptions that fuel calls for stricter regulations or even the airport’s closure.

A second drawback is the airport’s reliance on a limited number of carriers, especially TUI Fly, which makes the airport financially vulnerable. When TUI temporarily suspended flights due to maintenance issues, the airport saw a significant drop in passenger numbers, highlighting its dependency on this single carrier. This reliance also limits the diversity of flight options, impacting the airport’s appeal compared to larger regional airports.

The airport’s sustainability initiatives, while progressive, face skepticism regarding their feasibility and efficacy. 

Critics argue that electric aviation is not yet sufficiently advanced to replace traditional flights and that the focus on green energy and electric air taxis is premature. Given that long-haul flights, which contribute heavily to aviation emissions, are not viable with current electric technology, the airport’s green ambitions are seen by some as symbolic rather than substantial changes.

Challenges and limitations

Antwerp International Airport is constrained by its infrastructure, particularly the short runway, which limits its capacity to accommodate larger aircraft and long-haul flights. While suitable for smaller jets and short-haul trips, the runway length restricts its competitiveness in attracting a wider range of airlines. Expanding the runway would require significant investments and potential land acquisition, both of which are unlikely due to regulatory and community resistance.

Financially, the airport faces challenges in balancing operational costs with limited revenue streams. 

Subsidies for operations, such as fire safety and security, are funded by public money, sparking criticism over the airport’s dependence on taxpayer support for services that cater to a relatively small passenger base. 

Additionally, the airport has limited opportunities to expand its revenue from passenger services alone, given its scale and operational constraints. This challenge has led to increased efforts to diversify income through non-aeronautical sources, such as dining and retail, but this transition is still in its early stages.

Debate

These issues have led to various protests and petitions, with opponents calling for either stricter regulations or the eventual closure of the airport. 

The debate intensified with discussions around the airport’s environmental permit, which requires the airport to hold consultation sessions with residents, authorities, and local organizations to address community grievances.

Political opposition is also present, with left-wing parties and some centrist factions advocating for reducing or eliminating subsidies for the airport. They argue that public funds should not support a facility serving a limited segment of the population, particularly when the environmental costs are considered. 

Some parties, like the socialist party Vooruit, have proposed a deadline of 2034 for the airport’s closure if it fails to meet environmental and financial sustainability targets.

Future prospects

In the future, Antwerp International Airport could potentially redefine regional air travel by becoming a pioneer in sustainable aviation. The move toward electric air taxis and drones aligns with broader trends in urban air mobility and could position Antwerp as a model for integrating eco-friendly technology in aviation. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on several factors, including technological advancements, regulatory support, and public acceptance.

Antwerp International Airport sits at a critical juncture. Its rebranding and green transformation reflect a proactive response to industry and societal trends favoring sustainability and innovation. 

While these changes may help address some criticisms, the airport’s long-term viability hinges on its ability to navigate community concerns, financial challenges, and the technical feasibility of green aviation.

The debate surrounding the airport exemplifies broader tensions between economic development, environmental responsibility, and quality of life—issues that are increasingly central to the future of urban aviation and public infrastructure.

Antwerp International Airport

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