Ostend–Bruges International Airport

Geschiedenis

Ostend–Bruges International Airport, commonly known simply as Ostend Airport, is an international airport located 2.7NM south southwest of Ostend, Belgium, near the coast and about 25km from the city centre of Bruges. Although freight transport is the focus of a large proportion of its activities, the airport is increasingly used for passenger flights, mainly charter and holiday flights organised by tour operators. It is also often used for private business flights.HistoryDuring the Second World War, the Luftwaffe moved the airfield of Ostend-Stene to a site in the territory of the municipality of Middelkerke, five kilometres southwest of Ostend. It played a major role in the air battle with Britain. After the war, the airport of Raversijde-Middelkerke was turned into an international airport by the Department of Airways which had been established by that time.In 1992, the ownership of the regional Flemish airport was transferred from the Belgian State to the Flemish Region.Between May and December 2003, Ryanair operated a route between Ostend and London Stansted.The airport was given a new name: "Ostend–Bruges International Airport".On 23 May 2003, Mr. Gino Vanspauwen was appointed CEO/Managing Director of Ostend–Bruges International Airport by the Flemish government. He effectively took up his duties on 1 June 2003. The airport was operated by the Department of Mobility and Public Works of the Flemish government. The Flemish Government made an agreement with Egis Group to operate it starting 2014 for a duration of 25 years.