Eindhoven Airport processed a record 6.8 million passengers last year, with  Málaga, Alicante and London’s Stansted airport lead the most popular destinations list.

The figures show the airport has now fully recovered from the impact of coronavirus, with numbers up on the 6.7 million transported in 2019. The figures are up 500,000 on 2022. 

In total, the airport handled 41,496 take-offs and landings, and that is just four below the legally permitted maximum. 

Eindhoven airport said at the end of last year it is banning all private jets from 2026 to meet CO2 emission and noise nuisance goals.

The airport, which has committed itself to reducing CO2 emissions and noise by 30% by 2030, will also reduce the number of flights from 41,500 to a maximum of 40,500 a year in 2026 and 2027. From 2028, noise levels will be the determining factor in the number of flights.

People living in the vicinity of the airport have complained about noise nuisance for years. In March, police arrested 100 climate change campaigners who had cut through the fence at the airport to protest against pollution and noise from the airport.

Eindhoven airport is home to popular holiday airlines, such as Transavia, Ryan Air, Corendon, and TUI. If their flights are affected it is unlikely they will be able to operate from Lelystad airport, as most parties are against opening the airport to commercial aviation.