Maastricht Aachen Airport Receives ACI Europe Eco-Innovation Award

Maastricht Aachen Airport Honored with ACI Europe Eco-Innovation Award

Maastricht Aachen Airport (MAA) in the Netherlands has been distinguished with the Eco-Innovation Award at the 2025 ACI EUROPE Best Airport Awards held in Athens. This accolade recognizes the airport’s pioneering role in sustainability and innovation within the aviation industry. Central to this achievement is MAA’s Electrifly project, which marked a significant milestone by launching Europe’s first publicly accessible international electric flights in the summer of 2024.

The Electrifly Initiative: A Model for Sustainable Aviation

The Electrifly project represents a collaborative effort involving Maastricht Aachen Airport, Liège and Aachen airports, Fachhochschule Aachen, ASL Group, and electric vehicle specialist NIO. Its primary objective was to explore the viability of electric-powered passenger flights connecting regional airports. Beyond establishing electric flights between Maastricht, Liège, and Aachen, the initiative incorporated electric ground transfers, thereby substantially reducing the carbon footprint associated with regional air travel. This integrated approach advances the development of sustainable, multimodal transport networks, positioning the project as a forward-looking model for the aviation sector.

The ACI EUROPE judging panel praised Electrifly as “highly ambitious and innovative,” describing it as a “blueprint model for other airports to emulate in promoting multimodal travel, including all-electric flights.” The project’s success not only demonstrates the potential for zero-emission air transport but also provides critical data to support the integration of electric aviation into broader transportation systems.

Roel Ubaghs, Head of Sustainability, Innovation, and IT at Maastricht Aachen Airport, expressed pride in the recognition, emphasizing its significance beyond MAA itself. He stated, “It is an important milestone, not only for MAA but for regional aviation across Europe – we have shown how regional airports can take bold steps to accelerate innovation.” Ubaghs highlighted the essential role of close collaboration among all stakeholders in achieving the project’s outcomes, underscoring partnership as a key driver in advancing sustainable aviation.

Navigating Future Challenges Amidst Growing Competition

While Maastricht Aachen Airport celebrates this achievement, it faces mounting challenges in sustaining its competitive position. Regional airports such as Nuremberg and Aarhus are intensifying their focus on growth and innovation. Nuremberg Airport is progressing with its “Blue Ocean Airport Nürnberg” strategy, and Aarhus Airport is expanding its international route network, both aiming to establish new regional benchmarks. These developments are likely to increase scrutiny of MAA’s sustainability initiatives and cost management, particularly in light of Ryanair’s recent decision to withdraw from Maastricht due to cost concerns.

The Eco-Innovation Award affirms Maastricht Aachen Airport’s leadership in environmentally responsible travel. However, the evolving competitive landscape underscores the necessity for ongoing innovation and operational excellence. As more airports and operators adopt sustainable practices, MAA’s experience with Electrifly offers a valuable model for the future of green aviation, while also highlighting the imperative to balance ambitious sustainability goals with the realities of the market.