From 1 February to 19 July 2027, all air traffic to and from Eindhoven Airport will be suspended. During this period, the runway will undergo renovation. For companies that make frequent use of the airport, the temporary closure will require alternative ways of travelling during that time.

As part of the renovation, the runway will be widened. In addition, a new taxiway and extra runway lighting will be installed, among other improvements. These works will ensure that the runway is even better prepared for the future.

Impact on regional businesses

For companies operating internationally, Eindhoven Airport often plays an important role in their accessibility. One such company is Eindhoven-based trading company Edco. Customers and employees of the internationally operating wholesaler frequently travel via Eindhoven Airport. Philip Noten, Global Sales Director at Edco, therefore considers it a major drawback that the company and its customers will not be able to use the airport for five and a half months next year. Noten says: “This will certainly cost us revenue and will also result in additional expenses.”

Importance of the airport

Wholesale company Edco was founded in 1978 and now sells around ten thousand different products, including household items, garden products, electronics and toys. Edco is a major European player in its sector and the largest company located on the business park near Eindhoven Airport. The company employs approximately 500 people.

The airport plays an important role for the trading company in maintaining international contact with customers. Around four hundred times a year, mainly customers and sales staff of the company fly to or from Eindhoven Airport. Many European customers visit Edco’s showroom near the airport several times a year. The showroom covers more than 10,000 square metres and hosts large-scale events such as the “Big Launch”, the company’s biennial event where customers are invited to attend the launch of new products and brands, product presentations and inspiration sessions. These events are important for gaining insight into (new) products and brands. Noten says: “All our products are beautifully presented here, and we have all our experts available for our customers. Everything is at hand. That’s convenient for the customer and for us, because you don’t simply take 10,000 samples to the customer.”

Need for personal customer contact

Noten continues: “Personal contact is the strongest form of sales. That’s why we prefer to welcome customers here in Eindhoven, in our showroom.” The showroom’s close proximity to the airport is very convenient. Noten explains: “It means our customers have very little travel time, which is important for buyers with busy schedules.” According to Noten, the temporary unavailability of the airport, forcing customers to travel via other airports, will certainly have financial consequences. “Customers will be less inclined to come to us. That will have an impact on our turnover.”The temporary suspension of flights via Eindhoven Airport will also affect Edco’s sales staff based in Eindhoven. Around four times a week, an Edco employee travels via the airport to visit customers or to attend meetings with one of the approximately thirty sales colleagues in countries such as Spain and Hungary. Noten himself flies from Eindhoven for work around 15 to 20 times a year. He also welcomes the Country Directors from other European countries to Eindhoven for meetings every two months.

Reopening of Eindhoven Airport

According to Noten, face-to-face contact is essential in their line of business. “We want to spend as much time as possible on live customer contact and as little time as possible travelling. That’s why we are already looking forward to the reopening of Eindhoven Airport, so that Edco will once again be easily accessible via the airport and we can welcome our customers back to Eindhoven.”

Stay up to date on developments surrounding the renovation via the website.