Maastricht Aachen Airport has been officially designated as an approved inspection location for Products of Non-Animal Origin by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allowing a wider range of plant-based cargo to be processed directly at the airport.
The authorisation follows a full audit by the Dutch authority and subsequent confirmation by the European Commission, the airport said.
The new status means that mandatory inspections of plant-based goods can now take place on site, enabling the airport to handle a broader mix of fruits, vegetables, flowers and other perishables more efficiently.
Until now, some shipments had to be moved elsewhere for inspection before being released. With on-site controls now available, Maastricht Aachen can speed up processing, reduce transit delays and expand the list of products and countries of origin it is allowed to handle.
Dean Boljuncic, head of commercial development at the airport, said Maastricht Aachen is already known for short transit times and efficient handling, which are particularly important for temperature-sensitive cargo. He said the ability to conduct PNAO inspections directly on site will shorten waiting times even further and help maintain an even more secure cold chain for customers.
The airport’s status as a Phytosanitary Inspection Centre had already been reaffirmed last year. The addition of on-site PNAO controls further reinforces Maastricht Aachen’s role as a major European phytosanitary hub.
Phytosanitary controls are intended to protect plant health by preventing the spread of pests and diseases through the trade of plants, seeds, fruit, vegetables and wood products.
Maastricht Aachen is the Netherlands’ second-largest air cargo hub and plays an important role in the import of flowers and other perishables.
The airport reported a 40% year-on-year rise in cargo volumes in 2025, supported by investment in facilities serving segments such as perishables and live animals. Total throughput reached 41,636 tonnes last year, compared with 28,448 tonnes in 2024.
The airport noted that the lower 2024 figure followed a €35 million runway renovation project completed in 2023.
Aircraft movements also rose, with Maastricht Aachen recording 7,549 movements in 2025, including 1,737 cargo flights.
