Lelystad Airport

Spectacular Simplicity
The spectacular simplicity of Flevoland’s polder landscape served as the starting point for the terminal's design, inspired by engineer Lely’s vision. The new terminal aligns with the expansive, abstract polder landscape through a strong horizontal gesture. The terminal consists of an elongated structure separating the landside from the airside and incorporating the pier with waiting areas. Near the terminal’s entrance, the elongated volume transitions into a taller structure with a generous canopy that welcomes passengers with an open and inviting gesture.

The glass-roofed hall with its wooden structure, called the Plaza, forms the building’s central meeting point, where departing and arriving passengers meet with those dropping them off or picking them up. This taller structure also houses the comfortable lounge with retail and dining facilities for passengers to enjoy while waiting to head to their gate. Adjacent to the lounge, a rooftop terrace offers expansive views of departing and landing planes.

Informal and Comfortable

Lelystad Airport will be a fully self-service airport equipped with state-of-the-art systems designed for the mobile, digital world. Passengers can check in and drop off luggage independently, including paying for and processing additional baggage. Advanced systems like the ‘just-in-time’ feature inform passengers when it’s time to proceed to the gate, enhancing convenience and a sense of freedom. By catering to the diverse needs of a wide range of passengers, the terminal provides space and comfort for all travelers.

A Sustainable Terminal

Flying via Lelystad Airport offers a seamless experience, from parking to boarding, with no barriers. This requires a terminal where indoor and outdoor spaces blend effortlessly. The building feels open and accessible, with constant views of the surroundings and airplanes. The design optimizes natural energy and ventilation to create a pleasant indoor climate for passengers and staff.

The terminal will be an energy-efficient building with a smart, compact climate system that adapts to changing conditions and passenger movement. Sustainable, minimal, and reusable materials are used, emphasizing their natural qualities and minimizing environmental impact. The wooden structure of the reception hall and gates plays a critical role both technically and aesthetically. The building is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, making it one of the most sustainable terminals in the world.

Future-Proof and Adaptable

The development of Lelystad Airport is planned in several phases. In the first phase, the terminal will operate for 1.5 million passengers. The second phase targets growth to 3.7 million passengers annually, and the third phase prepares the airport for a capacity of approximately 6.7 million passengers per year. To accommodate this growth, the terminal is designed to be future-proof and adaptable, allowing for changes in operations and commercial functions.

Flexible Expansion

The terminal’s layout allows for independent expansion of its various components. Functions that are difficult to relocate are placed along the central axis of the building, enabling expansion on either side: public areas on one side and logistics and baggage handling on the other. Prefabricated materials and demountable construction joints make it possible for building materials to be reused as raw materials, resulting in a circular and flexible structure. The development of the terminal represents a significant step forward in passenger experience when traveling to and from the Netherlands, showcasing innovative ways to design sustainable, future-ready, and expandable terminals.