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Introduction
Located on the coast, Airport Den Helder forms the link between safety, energy, and innovation. The airport is of strategic importance for both civil and military tasks: from maritime patrol and defense to offshore logistics and the energy transition in the North Sea. The municipality, province, and Defense are working together on a future-proof development of the airport, with space for new hangars, sustainable fuels, and manufacturing companies.
An important step is the joint development of maritime drones — smart, clean aircraft that contribute to safety, monitoring, and maintenance at sea. In this way, Airport Den Helder is growing into a testing ground for the aviation of the future, and a powerful engine within the Maritime Cluster Den Helder.
Insight into what it yields
Space is being sought for hangars, maritime drones, the manufacturing industry, and sustainable fuels.
- The first step is a letter of intent for joint development
- The second step is a substantive agreement with concrete agreements on space and investments.
Project Leader of Airport Den Helder
The airport of Den Helder is of strategic importance for both civil and military activities. We are looking for more space for hangars, maritime drones, manufacturing companies, and the use of sustainable fuels.
Falco Hoekstra
News
Project planning
Overview of involved parties
Studies
Frequently asked questions
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions that we regularly receive.
Den Helder Airport is a major offshore airport on the North Sea. It primarily serves helicopters flying to and from wind farms and oil and gas platforms. The Coast Guard also operates out of this airport. Den Helder Airport uses the facilities at De Kooy Naval Air Station.
De Kooy Naval Air Station is a military airport operated by the Ministry of Defense. It is primarily used by helicopters of the Royal Netherlands Navy. The air station is located right next to Den Helder Airport and shares some of its infrastructure.
The memorandum of understanding is an agreement to improve collaboration. The partners are exploring ways for the airport to grow and for its facilities to be improved. We are working together toward a cooperation agreement in 2026.
Yes, we are working on civil-military cooperation involving maritime drones. Drones can be used for coastal surveillance, maritime surveillance, and inspecting wind farms.
The municipality of Den Helder, the Ministry of Defense, the province of North Holland, companies in the offshore sector, and various educational institutions are collaborating on the plans.
Den Helder is home to an airport, a seaport, and a “knowledge port” for education—both civilian and military. This combination makes Den Helder a strong location for companies and organizations in the fields of security, energy, and offshore.
All partners will continue to work on the plans in the coming period. The cooperation agreement will be drafted in 2026. As soon as more details are available, they will be shared with residents and stakeholders.
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