Unauthorized drones prompted a precautionary closure of Luxembourg Airport on Friday evening, forcing 19 incoming flights to divert. After two inspections found no immediate aviation risk, operations resumed around 1:20 am (2320 GMT). The government has convened an interministerial drone assessment unit and is closely monitoring an ongoing investigation into the incident.
Unauthorized Drones Force Temporary Shutdown at Luxembourg Airport — 19 Flights Diverted
FILE PHOTO - Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden speaks to the press ahead of an EU summit in 2024. (is associated with: «Drones temporarily paralyse Luxembourg Airport») Frederic GARRIDO-RAMIREZ/European Council/dpa
Flight operations at Luxembourg Airport were temporarily suspended on Friday evening after unauthorized drones were sighted in the airport’s vicinity, the government said on Saturday.
As a precaution, airspace was closed and a total of 19 inbound flights were diverted to other airports. Following two inspections that found no immediate threat to aviation safety, normal operations resumed at about 1:20 am (2320 GMT) on Saturday.
Government Response
An interministerial drone assessment unit was convened to evaluate the incident and recommend follow-up measures. This coordination body is activated during crises to bring together relevant ministers, authorities and services.
Prime Minister Luc Frieden summoned responsible ministers and officials, who are continuing exchanges with counterparts in neighbouring countries. Authorities said current findings do not permit definitive conclusions but stressed they remain closely monitoring the situation and are "fully mobilized to ensure the safety of the population."
Ongoing Investigation
No further details about the origin of the drones have been released so far, with officials citing security reasons and an ongoing investigation.
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