The Stockholm City Council has initiated the development of a program outlining the future of Bromma Airport, a site the ruling majority envisions as ”Bromma Parkstad.” The city estimates the area could accommodate approximately 16,000 new homes. This decision has ignited a complex debate involving various political parties, each with differing visions for the area’s transformation. The central conflict revolves around the future of the airport itself, with some advocating for its closure and redevelopment, while others seek to preserve its function, potentially even as a hub for innovative aviation technologies. The overarching discussion also encompasses the type of housing that should be prioritized, ranging from high-density apartment complexes to lower-density, garden-city style developments.
The Sweden Democrats (SD), while open to exploring housing on the site, have stipulated that Arlanda Airport must be capable of absorbing Bromma’s flight capacity before any closure can be considered. This cautious approach reflects a broader concern about maintaining adequate aviation infrastructure for the region. Meanwhile, the red-green coalition, comprising the Social Democrats (S), the Left Party (V), and the Green Party (MP), are focused on determining the specific type of housing to be built. Gabriel Kroon, representing the SD, explained that their engagement in the planning process is strategic, aimed at preventing the construction of high-rise buildings and an overabundance of rental units, which they believe the red-green coalition favors. Instead, the SD envisions a ”garden city,” reminiscent of the villa areas of Norra and Södra Ängby, offering a contrasting model of lower-density, owner-occupied housing.
The City Council’s decision follows a vote last autumn to terminate the land agreement with the state, which currently extends until 2038. However, any closure of Bromma Airport before that date requires a decision at the national government level. Kroon points to a shift in the political landscape, noting that a majority in the City Council now favors closing the airport, with the Liberal Party (L) and the Center Party (C) having reversed their previous stances in support of continued operations. While the SD ideally envisions transforming Bromma into an ”innovation hub for electric aviation,” Kroon acknowledges the need to adapt to the evolving political reality. He emphasizes the internal agreement within his party to resist premature closure of the airport while simultaneously preparing for the possibility of redevelopment.
The ultimate decision regarding Bromma’s fate rests with the national government, which has indicated no intention of closing the airport during the current electoral term. However, Kroon anticipates that a change in government after the next election could lead to the early termination of the land agreement. This anticipation underscores the importance of proactively planning for potential redevelopment, shaping the future landscape of Bromma regardless of the airport’s ultimate fate. The current debate highlights the complex interplay between local and national politics, with local parties maneuvering to influence the outcome while acknowledging the ultimate authority of the national government.
Jan Jönsson, representing the Liberal Party in the city council, has shifted his position, now favoring redevelopment due to the lack of interest from airlines in continuing operations at Bromma. He believes the land could be better utilized for other purposes. This stance diverges from the national Liberal Party’s position, which is aligned with the current government’s commitment to maintaining the airport’s operations. Jönsson downplays this discrepancy, attributing it to the constraints of the Tidö Agreement, the governing coalition’s policy platform. He sees the SD’s shift in position as a sign of evolving perspectives on Bromma’s future, suggesting a growing momentum towards redevelopment.
The historical context of aviation in Sweden provides a backdrop to the current debate. From the first flight in Sweden in 1909 to the establishment of major airports like Arlanda and Landvetter, the landscape of air travel has undergone significant transformations. Bromma Airport, inaugurated in 1936, once served as Stockholm’s main airport for international flights before being superseded by Arlanda in 1962. This historical perspective highlights the dynamic nature of infrastructure development, with changing needs and priorities often leading to the repurposing of existing facilities. The ongoing discussion surrounding Bromma Airport mirrors these historical shifts, reflecting a continuous evaluation of how best to utilize valuable land resources in a rapidly evolving urban environment.
