Opposition to government plans to expand Lelystad airport is growing and Dutch flag carrier KLM has also come out against the idea, the Telegraaf says on Tuesday.

KLM’s chief executive Camiel Eurlings said in an interview the expansion is too soon because Schiphol’s growth figures have been revised downwards and planes are becoming bigger and more silent.

‘Fees are being suggested which are half that of Schiphol. That means it will be at least 20 years before Lelystad makes a profit and Schiphol will have to pick up those losses,’ the former transport minister said. ‘This will make Schiphol more expensive and price it out of the world market.’

Budget flights

The government’s plan involves making Lelystad suitable for budget and holiday flights from 2018 to free up capacity at Schiphol.

Locals are being briefed on the plan today and parliament is holding discussions on Wednesday.

On Monday, pilots’ association VNV came out against the expansion plan saying it will undermine Schiphol. Budget airlines have also said they are not willing to make the move.

There have been plans to expand Lelystad airport and move charter flights there for at least 10 years, all of which have stumbled on planning regulations.