Maastricht Aachen Airport has begun renovation work in its runway as part of an infrastructure investment plan of up to €100 million over the next few years.

The Netherland’s second-largest cargo hub is investing €35.3 million between May and June in anticipation of a project to extend the runway to 2,750 meters by January 2025.

Jos Roeven, chief executive of MST, said: “Maastricht has much to offer the Dutch air cargo community, with no slot restrictions or congestion at the airport and now a significant infrastructure investment program.

“We are CEIV-Pharma certified and the preferred station for flower imports into the Netherlands, as well as specializing in handling dangerous goods and e-commerce, and we will be focusing on further developing our facilities with this investment.

“There is a fantastic opportunity in the current market for regional airports to step up for the cargo industry and help drive a more sustainable future for freight, whilst at the same time creating job opportunities for our local communities.”

MST is already the European base for Turkish Cargo and Royal Jordanian, and an online station for Emirates, Qatar, and Saudia.

The airport is free of slot restrictions, offers full Fifth Freedom of The Air rights, and has its own maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities.