The number of passengers flying with budget airlines in the Netherlands has tripled in the last two decades, reaching 27.8 million in 2024. This represents a significant shift in air travel preferences, according to recent data from the national statistics agency CBS.

Budget airlines are capturing an increasing share of the market. In 2004, only 20% of passengers chose low-cost carriers, but this figure has risen to 40% by 2024.

Traditional airlines have also experienced growth, with passenger numbers increasing from 35.2 million to 48.4 million during the same period.

Spain, Britain, and Italy remain the top destinations for passengers utilizing budget airlines.

Smaller Dutch airports have seen rapid expansion due to the popularity of budget airlines. Passenger numbers at regional airports like Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Maastricht, and Groningen have quadrupled between 2004 and 2024. In 2024, 98% of all passengers traveling through these smaller airports flew with budget carriers.

Despite the growth of regional airports, Schiphol Airport continues to be the primary hub for budget airline services. In 2024, 18.6 million budget airline passengers traveled through Schiphol, compared to the 9.2 million who used the four regional airports combined.