Maastricht Aachen Airport

Imagine landing in the Netherlands while being just a few minutes' drive from the borders of Germany and Belgium. Maastricht Aachen Airport is a unique aviation hub located in the very heart of the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion, serving as a convenient gateway to three countries simultaneously. Instead of the endless corridors and bustle of giant hubs, travellers here are welcomed by a cosy atmosphere, compactness, and renowned Dutch efficiency, turning the start of your journey into an effortless walk.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of Maastricht Aachen Airport is its strategic location. It sits practically at the intersection of borders, making it an ideal starting point not only for visiting the Dutch province of Limburg but also for trips to Aachen in Germany (about 30 km) or Liège in Belgium. It is an excellent alternative to the busier airports of Düsseldorf or Brussels for residents of the border regions.

Travellers particularly appreciate this airport for its speed of service. Thanks to the compact terminal, the journey from the building entrance to the boarding gate takes mere minutes. Queues for check-in and security screening are a rarity here, allowing you to arrive at the airport a bit later than is customary at major metropolitan hubs, thereby saving significant time and stress.

Another important feature is its status as a major cargo hub. Maastricht Aachen plays a key role in European logistics. For passengers, this adds a certain flair: from observation points or terminal windows, one can often watch the loading of massive cargo liners, which is a fascinating spectacle for aviation enthusiasts.

The airport's infrastructure is focused on maximum comfort with minimal unnecessary movement. Parking is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal, so you won't have to walk long distances with luggage or wait for a transfer bus. This makes the airport particularly convenient for families with children, the elderly, and business travellers who value every minute.

• Official Website: www.maa.nl
• Information Desk Phone: +31 43 358 98 98
• Address: Vliegveldweg 90, 6199 AD Maastricht Airport, Maastricht, Netherlands
• Email: info@maa.nl
• Social Media: Current links to the airport's official pages on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can be found on its website.
• Lost Luggage Information: To trace lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's Lost & Found service. Contact details are usually listed on the airport website.
• Passenger Support: For general enquiries and assistance, you may contact the main information desk phone number or use the feedback form on the official airport website.

Reaching Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) from the city centre of Maastricht and its surroundings can be done via several convenient methods. The best option depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences.

Public Transport is the most economical way. Bus route No. 30 (operated by Arriva) runs regularly from Maastricht Central Railway Station to the airport. The journey takes on average 20–30 minutes, and the ticket cost is approximately 4–5 Euros. This is an excellent choice for light travellers, as from the station you can easily reach any point in the Netherlands and neighbouring countries.

Taxi or Private Transfer is the fastest and most comfortable option. A trip from the city centre will take about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic conditions, with an average cost of 40–50 Euros. This is the ideal solution if you are travelling with children, a large group, or bulky luggage. Booking a transfer in advance is often slightly cheaper than hailing a taxi on the spot.

Car Rental offers maximum flexibility. Several international rental companies have counters at the airport. Having a car will allow you not only to reach the airport easily but also to freely explore the picturesque Limburg region or neighbouring Belgium and Germany. The airport is conveniently located next to the major A2 motorway.

If you are arriving at the airport in your own vehicle, official parking is at your disposal. There are several zones for short-term and long-term parking located within walking distance of the terminal. To get the best rate, it is recommended to book a parking space online in advance.

When planning your trip, it is also worth noting that there are other airports near Maastricht. If flights to Maastricht Aachen do not suit you, consider alternative options such as Eindhoven (EIN), Liège Airport (LGG), or Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS), from where you can easily reach Maastricht by train or bus.

Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) is a compact and convenient regional hub serving both passenger and cargo flights. For tourists, the key facility is the single passenger terminal, which handles all departures and arrivals. Due to its small size, the airport offers fast and simple navigation, making it particularly convenient for travellers who value their time and wish to avoid the hustle of major hubs. It serves as an important aerial gateway for the city of Maastricht and the border regions of the Netherlands.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building has two main levels. On the ground floor, you will find check-in counters, the arrivals area with baggage claim belts and customs control, as well as the main exit to the city. On the first floor lies the departure zone after security control, where passengers wait to board their flights. There are no transfers between terminals as all operations are concentrated in one building, and all zones are within walking distance of each other.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. After checking in on the ground floor, passengers proceed to the first floor for security screening. The departure hall is small but offers basic amenities: several boarding gates, a small duty-free shop, and a café where you can have a snack while waiting for your flight. The arrivals area on the ground floor is equally concise: after disembarking, passengers enter the baggage claim hall and then proceed to the general meeting area.

One of the main advantages of Maastricht Aachen Airport is the speed of completing all procedures. Check-in and security screening usually take significantly less time than at major airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — approximately 2 hours before departure for an international flight. This time will be more than sufficient to check in luggage without haste, pass through control, and find your boarding gate.

The history of Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), located in the southern part of the Netherlands, begins at the end of the Second World War. It was built by American engineering troops in 1944 and was initially used as a temporary military airfield under the code name Y-44. By 1945, after the cessation of hostilities, the airfield was handed over to Dutch authorities and opened for civil aviation, receiving its first official name — Beek Airport, after the nearest municipality.

In the post-war decades, the airport gradually developed. In the 1950s, the first paved runway was constructed, allowing for the reception of larger aircraft. A significant boost in development occurred in the 1980s when the airport became an important centre for cargo transport. A key moment was the decision by the airline Martinair to make it their cargo base. To highlight its international significance and proximity to the German border, the airport was renamed Maastricht Aachen Airport in 1994.

In subsequent years, the airport's infrastructure was modernized repeatedly. The runway was significantly lengthened, opening up possibilities for receiving long-haul cargo and passenger liners. A modern passenger terminal was also built, focused on serving both scheduled and charter flights, including popular low-cost carriers. Today, the airport is known as one of the largest cargo hubs in the country and an important aerial gateway for the entire Meuse-Rhine Euroregion.

One interesting fact from the airport's life is connected to the annual fine art fair TEFAF in Maastricht. During the days it is held, the airport apron fills with dozens of private jets from all over the world, bringing collectors, gallerists, and art connoisseurs, which clearly demonstrates the international status and importance of this transport hub.

Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) is a compact and modern air terminal offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait before their flight. Despite its small size, it is well-equipped and thoughtfully designed.

Dining and Shopping. Within the terminal, there are several cafés and bars where you can have coffee, grab a sandwich, or enjoy a full lunch. For shopping enthusiasts, a Duty Free shop is open, offering a standard assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and souvenirs.

Lounges and Comfort. Passengers wishing to spend time in a quieter atmosphere can use the business lounge services. Here, you can relax in comfortable chairs, work, and enjoy refreshments. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and special sockets and USB ports are provided for charging electronic devices.

Financial and Other Services. ATMs for cash withdrawal are installed in the terminal building. If necessary, passengers can seek first aid at a dedicated medical point. For business travellers, conference rooms are available for rent to conduct meetings.

For Families and Passengers with Special Needs. Travellers with small children can use the nursing room. The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms. Staff are ready to provide assistance and accompaniment upon prior request.

Accommodation. Although there are no hotels directly inside the terminal building, several hotels are located within a few minutes' walk or drive from the airport, which is very convenient for transit passengers and those departing early in the morning.

The Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) is a compact regional airport, so the choice of establishments here is not as extensive as in major hubs, but quite sufficient for a comfortable snack or a full meal while waiting for a flight. The main dining points are concentrated in the main terminal and are accessible to both departing passengers and those meeting them.

The main establishment at the airport is the Travel Inn restaurant-brasserie, located on the ground floor in the public zone (landside), before security control. Here you can have a leisurely lunch or dinner by ordering hot dishes, soups, or salads. This is an ideal place for those with plenty of time before departure or for those seeing someone off. The menu offers European cuisine, and the windows provide a view of the runway.

For those who prefer a quick bite, the same restaurant features a bar and café area where you can order sandwiches, pastries, and drinks. If you are travelling through the south of the Netherlands, be sure to try the local dessert — Limburgse vlaai; a slice of this famous pie with a cup of coffee will be an excellent conclusion to your visit to the region. The restaurant's opening hours are usually synchronized with the flight schedule and open two hours before the first departure.

After passing security control (in the airside zone), a bar operates for passengers waiting to board. The assortment here is more modest and focused on quick service: you can purchase beverages, light snacks, crisps, and sweets. This is a convenient option to grab something to take on board or to have a snack right at the boarding gate.

Regarding special dietary needs, the main restaurant menu usually includes vegetarian options, such as salads or vegetable dishes. For information on gluten-free, vegan, or Halal dishes, it is best to speak directly to the staff — they will be able to suggest available options. The price range at the airport is average for European air harbours: a full lunch will cost more than in the city, but the cost of a sandwich or coffee is quite standard.

When planning a departure from Maastricht Aachen Airport, located near Maastricht, stick to the golden rule of travel: arrive early. It is recommended to arrive 2 hours before flights within the Schengen zone and 3 hours before international flights. This will give you enough time to check in luggage without haste, pass security control, and find your boarding gate. To save time, use online check-in offered by most airlines and save the boarding pass on your smartphone.

Security screening at Maastricht Aachen Airport complies with standard EU regulations. Be prepared to present laptops and other large electronics separately. All liquids in hand luggage must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. It is prohibited to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances. Always check the current rules on your airline's website to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Seat selection on the plane can significantly affect the comfort of your flight. A window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, whilst an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely and stretch your legs. If you wish to save money, avoid paid seat selection when purchasing a ticket — the system will assign one to you automatically during check-in. Booking a transfer to the airport in advance and packing snacks from home can also help save money. Don't forget to bring an empty water bottle, which can be refilled after passing security.

If you have a connecting flight via Maastricht Aachen Airport, check in advance whether your luggage will be automatically checked through to the final destination. If not, you will need to collect it and check it in again. Arriving in the Netherlands from a non-EU country, you will undergo customs control. If you have no goods to declare, proceed confidently through the "Green Channel". Otherwise, if you are carrying goods exceeding established limits, you must use the "Red Channel".

A flight delay is always an unpleasant event, but it is important to remain calm. First and foremost, monitor information on the departure boards and in your airline's app. In the event of a long delay or cancellation of a flight departing from the EU, your rights are protected by the EU261 regulation. This may provide for the provision of meals, drinks, and even hotel accommodation. Contact an airline representative for instructions and keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses.