Defensie has begun a search for unexploded bombs at Eindhoven Airport, as part of preparations for the runway renovation planned for 2027. This operation, starting on September 22, 2025, will last four weeks.
- Defensie searches for unexploded bombs daily.
- Eindhoven Airport prepares for runway renovation.
- Investigations will last until mid-October 2023.
- 37 potential explosives detected near runway.
- Bombs will be detonated at night.
- Historical bombing during WWII caused debris.
The search is prompted by findings from a large metal detector that identified 37 suspicious objects near the runway. Major Stefan, head of infrastructure at Defensie, stated, “It could be a piece of metal, so it can be part of munitions, but it can also be a construction helmet or an old bike.”
While the airport operates normally, some activities may be visible to the public. Misja Woudt from Vliegbasis Eindhoven noted, “Some activities on the airport grounds may be visible to the public.” If bombs are found, they will be detonated at night to avoid disrupting flights. Residents may feel vibrations, which Woudt described as “a slight shaking.”
The search will examine about 2,000 locations where metal has been detected. This effort is necessary due to the airport’s history during World War II, when it was bombed by Allied forces while under German control. Major Stefan explained, “The craters from the bombs were immediately filled. Everything nearby was thrown into the hole to make it flat again.”
The operation is expected to conclude by mid-October, ahead of the extensive runway closure in 2027.
