Read how Corona year causes shortage of more than a million

Groningen Airport Eelde has made a loss of more than 1.2 million euros in the corona year 2020. This loss could rise further to more than 1.6 million euros. The airport had budgeted a deficit of more than 1.3 million.

Coronavirus year 2020

This is apparent from the preliminary annual report for 2020. There is uncertainty about NOW support of more than four tons. If this contribution from the central government has to be repaid during corona time, the loss will of course be greater. This will become clear later this year. The annual report can therefore be made final.

Of course, corona caused a huge blow. The first two months of 2020 were like the year before, then it stopped. AIS stopped flying from Eelde to Copenhagen, British Flybe went bankrupt, as a result of which the line to London also disappeared. Then it got tough. "Travel restrictions caused a contraction of historic proportions, and the sector was literally kept afloat with financial support. The discussion about the future of sustainable, safe and healthy aviation also took on another dimension," the report says.

Loan

Last year only the most necessary investments were made in the airport. A decision on the renovation or new construction of the fire station was postponed. For the coming year, the fire brigade's accommodation is seen as the most important investment. The new shareholder FB Oranjewoud has now made an offer. GAE can borrow a million for much-needed renovation.