The Defence Ministry said it needs 240 hectares to expand Lelystad Airport for the stationing of F-35 fighter aircraft and associated military units. Most of the land is intended for military infrastructure, while 40 hectares is needed to extend the runway.

Four farms and six other businesses must make way for the project. The affected residents and businesses have been informed, and State Secretary Derk Boswijk said Defence will help them relocate or compensate them for losses. Reports differed on where the additional land would be added, describing areas to the northwest and south in one account and to the southeast in another.