ROTTERDAM, 29 May 2025 – Rotterdam The Hague Airport is set to close temporarily in 2028 for extensive maintenance work. The runway will be out of service for up to twelve weeks while infrastructure is renewed.

Major runway maintenance to temporarily close Rotterdam airport in 2028

Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA) will undergo significant maintenance to its only runway in the first half of 2028. The closure is expected to last between six and twelve weeks, during which all regular flight operations will be suspended. Only emergency and police helicopter traffic will remain operational, as these services use a separate helipad.

Renewal after two decades

The upcoming renovation follows the last major runway overhaul in 2008. The new works aim to extend the operational lifespan of the runway by addressing structural components in one integrated operation. Planned tasks include resurfacing the asphalt and replacing lighting systems. The project is being prepared with safety and long-term usability as central considerations.

A tender process to select a contractor will begin shortly, with the chosen company expected to be announced in early 2026. The exact start date and duration of the closure will be determined once a contractor is in place.

Limited impact on airport users

Airport operators have indicated that minimising disruption is a key priority during preparations. Airlines will be allowed to request temporary slots at other airports while RTHA is closed. Any unused slots during the maintenance period may be rescheduled within the same operational year.

Despite the closure, emergency services such as trauma helicopters and police air support will continue operating via their dedicated helicopter platform.

Directions to the airport

How to reach Rotterdam The Hague Airport

Rotterdam The Hague Airport is located in the north-western part of the city, in the Overschie district. The airport is accessible via the A13 motorway and is well connected by public transport, including bus lines and nearby metro stations. The area is known for its proximity to business parks and residential neighbourhoods.

ROTTERDAM, 22 August 2024 – Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA) is nearing the completion of a new airport decision request, which will establish the location and operational boundaries of the airport. This decision could lead to fewer night flights and reduced CO₂ emissions.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport plans for the future

Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA) has announced that it is in the final stages of submitting an application for a new airport decree ("luchthavenbesluit"). The new decree will outline key operational guidelines for the airport, including where it is located and the limits that airport users must adhere to.

One of the main objectives of the new decree is to reduce the impact on the surrounding environment. Several measures are being proposed to achieve this, with a focus on lowering emissions and minimising disturbances to local residents.

Key changes in the new airport decree

The upcoming decree is expected to bring several important changes, including:

• A reduction in the number of night flights;
• A freeze on the growth of commercial flights until at least 2030, with future growth dependent on innovation;
• A reduction in CO₂ emissions from the airport's operations.

Since 2022, multiple studies have been carried out in preparation for the application, including an environmental impact assessment. These studies are designed to provide evidence and support for the measures proposed in the decree.

Next steps in the application process

Rotterdam The Hague Airport expects to submit the application by the end of 2024 to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. Once submitted, the approval process is anticipated to take about a year. If approved, the new airport decree would then come into effect, with the goal of significantly reducing the environmental footprint of the airport.

Directions to Rotterdam The Hague Airport

Rotterdam The Hague Airport is located to the north of the city, between Rotterdam and The Hague, making it accessible to both cities. Travellers can reach the airport by public transport via bus 33 from Rotterdam Central Station or by car via the A13 motorway. The airport is also a short drive from the centre of The Hague.

ROTTERDAM, 28 March 2025 – Rotterdam The Hague Airport urges travellers to dress simply and follow baggage rules to speed up the security process. The airport has also introduced updated screening equipment, easing liquid and electronics regulations.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport has issued practical guidance to help passengers move swiftly through security screening. The advice focuses on preparation, clothing, and baggage regulations, with the aim of reducing delays and improving efficiency at the checkpoint.

Revised clothing and footwear suggestions

Travellers are encouraged to wear lightweight clothing and low-cut footwear, such as trainers or slip-ons, to pass through security with minimal delay. While coats or jackets may still be taken on board, passengers are advised to remove these before approaching the screening area. Footwear that rises above the ankle, including boots and heavy hiking shoes, should be packed in hold luggage or be easy to remove at the checkpoint.

Baggage and liquid regulations

Passengers are reminded to familiarise themselves with the baggage policies of their respective airlines before departure. Though traditional rules for liquids remain—limiting items to 100ml per container—the airport has implemented advanced security equipment that allows liquids, gels, sprays, and electronics to remain inside hand luggage during scanning.

Items such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones no longer need to be separated at security. However, passengers should still ensure that liquids are easily accessible if additional screening is required. Double-walled thermos flasks should be brought empty.

Preparing for the security scan

To minimise time at the checkpoint, pockets should be emptied entirely. Phones, tissues, jewellery, and watches may either be worn or stored in hand luggage in advance. Belts and outerwear such as jackets, blazers, and shoes (excluding sneakers and lightweight sandals) must be placed in the tray for inspection.

Travellers are also asked to keep their boarding pass within reach until it has been scanned. Once it has been verified, it can be returned to hand luggage.

What happens if baggage is retained?

Occasionally, trays containing baggage may be held behind plexiglass on the conveyor for further inspection. This may result in short delays, especially during busy periods. Items will be returned promptly unless suspicious contents are detected.

Security personnel have requested that all instructions be followed without delay to ensure a smoother experience for all passengers.

How to get there

Rotterdam The Hague Airport is located in the northwest of the city, in the Overschie district. The airport is accessible via the A13 motorway and is connected to central Rotterdam by public transport, including bus 33 from Rotterdam Centraal Station.

ROTTERDAM, 1 August 2024 – New regulations at Rotterdam The Hague Airport will soon affect travellers carrying liquids in hand luggage. From September, passengers must adhere to a stricter 100 ml liquid limit for all containers.

New liquid restrictions in place at Rotterdam The Hague Airport

From 1 September 2024, travellers passing through Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Schiphol, and Eindhoven Airport will be required to follow a reinstated international rule regarding the transport of liquids in hand luggage. Liquids in containers larger than 100 ml will no longer be permitted, regardless of previous relaxations made possible by the introduction of advanced CT scanners.

The updated policy aligns with the latest guidelines issued by the European Commission and is not influenced by any recent changes in the security threat level. The aim is to reintroduce consistency with international standards, which continue to impose a 100 ml maximum per container for liquids brought on board in hand luggage.

Travellers informed about the changes

Despite the updated liquid regulations, other rules will remain unchanged. Electronic devices such as laptops and phones can continue to remain in hand luggage during security checks.

To help travellers adjust to these updated regulations, Rotterdam The Hague Airport has planned several measures to increase awareness. These include information displays throughout the airport and water disposal points at security checkpoints where passengers can empty their water bottles. Additional staff will also be available to guide and inform passengers about the new liquid restrictions.

Passengers are encouraged to pack larger quantities of liquids in their checked luggage, a suggestion that has consistently been made to avoid confusion due to varying regulations at international airports. Travellers are reminded to cooperate with airport staff to ensure a smooth travel experience for all.

Directions to Rotterdam The Hague Airport

Rotterdam The Hague Airport is located just north of the city of Rotterdam, approximately 6 kilometres from the city centre. The airport is easily accessible by car via the A13 motorway and by public transport, with bus services connecting to Rotterdam Central Station. Travellers are advised to allow extra time during peak hours or when travelling with larger amounts of luggage.