Eelde Airport

Imagine an airport without endless queues, hustle, or stress, where you can walk from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate in just a couple of minutes. This is exactly what Groningen Eelde is — the air gateway of the North, where a cosy atmosphere meets efficiency. Here, your journey begins not at takeoff, but right at the car park, located just a few steps from the check-in counters. This airport proves that size matters: being compact, it offers passengers what is so often missing in giant hubs — tranquillity and personal comfort.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Groningen Eelde is rightfully called the "Airport of the North" and prides itself on its status as the most convenient regional air gateway. The main advantage here is the speed of procedures. Thanks to smart logistics and lower passenger traffic, you can arrive at the airport much later than is customary at major international hubs, and still comfortably make your flight.

Another undeniable plus is transport accessibility and parking. Parking spaces are located literally in front of the terminal entrance, eliminating the need for shuttle buses or dragging heavy suitcases for long distances. Parking rates here are significantly lower than at the capital's Schiphol, making flying from Groningen a cost-effective solution for residents of the northern regions and neighbouring Germany.

The airport is also famous for its friendly atmosphere. The staff here work efficiently and with attention to every passenger, creating a sense of a personal approach. The compactness of the terminal means you will never get lost, and all necessary services — from cafes to shops — are always within arm's reach.

• Official Airport Website: www.groningenairport.nl
• Information Desk Phone: +31 50 309 70 70 (for general enquiries)
• Airport Address: Machlaan 14a, 9761 TK Eelde. The airport serves the city of Groningen and is located in the Netherlands.
• Email: For general requests, you can write to info@gae.nl.
• Airport Social Media: Follow news and updates on the official pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If items were lost on board the aircraft, please contact your airline directly. Regarding items left in the terminal building, contact the lost and found service via email at lostandfound@gae.nl or through the special form on the airport website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and passenger assistance, the general information desk phone is used: +31 50 309 70 70.

Getting to Groningen Eelde Airport (GRQ) from Groningen city centre and back is possible via several convenient methods. The airport is located approximately 15 km south of the city, making the journey quick and simple. The choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and personal preferences.

Public Transport is the most economical option. A shuttle bus (Line 100) runs between Groningen's main railway station and the airport. The trip takes about 20-25 minutes. Buses run regularly throughout the day, but the schedule may change, so it is recommended to check it in advance, especially if you have an early or late flight. You can pay for the fare using an OV-chipkaart transport card or by buying a ticket from the driver.

Taxi or Pre-booked Transfer is the most comfortable and fastest way to get to the airport. The trip from the city centre will take approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The taxi rank is located right outside the terminal exit. Although this is a more expensive option compared to the bus, it is ideal for travellers with a lot of luggage or those who value convenience and speed. For a guaranteed car arrival and a fixed price, it is recommended to book a transfer online in advance.

If you plan to explore the northern regions of the Netherlands, car rental can be an excellent solution. Several international and local rental companies operate at the airport and its vicinity. It is recommended to book a car in advance to get the best choice and rates. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, parking is available: P1 for short-term parking right at the terminal, as well as P2 and P3 for longer stays at more favourable rates. You can often save money by booking a parking space online.

It is also worth noting that within a radius of 150-200 km, there are other airports that can serve as alternatives, especially for international flights. These include the country's largest airport, Schiphol in Amsterdam, as well as German airports such as Bremen Airport and Münster Osnabrück.

Groningen Eelde Airport (GRQ) is a compact and modern regional airport distinguished by a simple and clear structure. Thanks to its size, navigating here is easy even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles all flights — both departures and arrivals. This makes navigation incredibly convenient: you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings. Everything is under one roof, which significantly reduces travel time and lowers pre-flight stress.

The terminal layout is intuitively clear. Upon entering, you find yourself in the general hall. Check-in counters are located directly opposite the entrance, and slightly further on is the security control zone leading to the boarding gates. The arrivals area is located in another part of the building and has a separate exit where passengers can collect luggage and meet those waiting for them.

Check-in and screening procedures at Eelde Airport usually proceed very quickly compared to major international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — approximately 1.5-2 hours before your flight's departure. This time will be more than enough to check in luggage without rushing, pass through security control, and enjoy a coffee before boarding.

The main advice for navigation is simple: follow the signs. The airport is well-designed, and all key zones — from check-in counters to boarding gates and the baggage claim area — are clearly marked. Thanks to the compactness of the terminal, getting lost here is practically impossible, making travel through Groningen Eelde particularly comfortable.

The history of Groningen Eelde Airport (GRQ) begins on May 23, 1931, when it was officially opened by the then-mayor of Groningen. Initially, the airfield, bearing the name "Hakenkampsveld", had only a grass surface and was used primarily for recreational flights and airshows. Shortly after opening, in 1934, the Northern Aviation School (NLS) was established, laying the foundation for the airport's future development as an important pilot training centre.

A significant impetus for development was the period after the Second World War. In 1954, the first paved runway was built, and in 1957 a new passenger terminal opened. These improvements allowed for the reception of larger aircraft and the establishment of regular air services. In the 1980s, the runway was extended to 1,800 metres, and later to 2,500 metres, which opened doors for jet aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, and contributed to the growth of charter flights to popular resorts.

In 1996, the airport received its current official name — Groningen Airport Eelde, emphasising its importance for the entire northern region of the Netherlands. In subsequent years, the infrastructure continued to be modernised: the Instrument Landing System (ILS) was updated, parking was expanded, and conditions in the passenger terminal were improved. An interesting fact is that throughout its history, the airport has maintained an important role in pilot training, serving as a base for the KLM Flight Academy.

Eelde Airport (GRQ), located in the north of the Netherlands, despite its compact size, provides passengers with all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. The airport's infrastructure is designed to make your journey as pleasant as possible from the very beginning.

Before departure or after arrival, you can relax in the restaurant-cafe, which serves a variety of dishes, snacks, and beverages. There is also a shop in the terminal where you can purchase travel essentials, souvenirs, and press. For those seeking more comfort, a paid VIP lounge is available, offering a quiet atmosphere, snacks, and drinks away from the main hustle.

Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected, work, or simply browse the web. Special stations are provided for charging electronic devices. If you need to withdraw cash, ATMs are installed in the terminal. There are no currency exchange bureaus at the airport, so it is worth taking care of this in advance.

For travellers with children, baby care rooms are equipped. The airport is also fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility: special assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking, and there are adapted toilets and parking spaces. First aid is available if necessary.

For business travellers, the airport offers conference rooms that can be rented for meetings and negotiations. Although there are no hotels directly within the terminal building, there are many accommodation options to suit any taste and budget a few minutes' drive away and in the nearby city of Groningen.

Groningen Eelde Airport (GRQ) is a compact and convenient regional airport, so all main services, including dining, are concentrated in one place. Passengers should note that all catering establishments are located in the public area before passing through security control (landside).

The main and only place to eat at the airport is the self-service restaurant and espresso bar Bytes & Bites. It is located in the central hall of the terminal, making it accessible for both departing passengers and those meeting them.

What you can find here:

• For a quick snack: A wide selection of fresh sandwiches, pastries, yoghurts, and fruit salads. You can also grab a cup of aromatic coffee, tea, or a refreshing beverage.
• For a full lunch: Bytes & Bites offers several hot dishes of the day, soups, and hearty salads. Although the menu changes, you can often try traditional Dutch snacks here, such as croquettes or meatballs.
• Dietary options: Vegetarian variants, such as cheese sandwiches or vegetable salads, are always available. Regarding gluten-free, vegan, or other specific dietary requirements, it is best to check directly with the staff — they will try to help.

Prices in the restaurant correspond to the average level for European airports. The opening hours of Bytes & Bites are directly linked to the flight schedule: the establishment opens approximately two hours before the first departure and closes after the departure of the last flight. It is strongly recommended to eat or buy food to take away here, as after passing through security control (airside), opportunities to purchase food and drinks are extremely limited or non-existent.

Travelling through Groningen Airport Eelde (GAE) is usually calm and hassle-free, as it is a small and convenient regional airport. To ensure your trip starts as smoothly as possible, use these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Despite the airport's compact size, it is recommended to arrive in advance. For international and charter flights, allow about 2–2.5 hours before departure, and for flights within the Schengen area, 1.5–2 hours will be sufficient. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone. This allows you to head straight to baggage drop-off or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening area.

Security Checks and Hand Luggage. The screening procedure here is standard. Remember the rule for carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage in advance. It is forbidden to take sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Always check baggage and hand luggage allowances with your airline, as they may vary.

Seat Selection and Saving. When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up and stretch your legs freely. To save money, book parking at the airport online — this is often cheaper. You can also take an empty water bottle with you and fill it at a drinking fountain after passing through security control.

Transfers and Customs Control. Eelde Airport is rarely used as a major transfer hub. If you do have a connection planned, check with the airline whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Upon arrival from countries outside the Schengen area, you will have to pass through customs control. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the "green" channel.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, remain calm. All current information will be displayed on the information screens in the departure hall. Contact a representative of your airline for clarification. Remember that EU air passenger rights apply (Regulation EC 261/2004), which, in the event of long delays, may entitle you to drinks, meals, and, in some cases, hotel accommodation at the airline's expense.