Luxair has positioned an aircraft southward to prepare for the repatriation of its clients and Luxembourg nationals currently stranded in the Middle East. As soon as a flight slot becomes available at Dubai airport, the plane will be able to collect the passengers, Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel informed the Chamber of Deputies.
However, Bettel cautioned that the situation remains highly uncertain. The government is therefore exploring several alternative options, including chartering a plane, utilising the army’s A400M transport aircraft, or arranging departures from other airports in the region.
The minister also highlighted the technical complexities involved in potential overland transfers – for instance, transporting people by car to Muscat in Oman or Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Notably, he pointed out that such an operation would prevent passengers from bringing larger pieces of luggage with them.
Addressing the approximately 480 Luxembourg nationals still in the region, Bettel offered reassurance: “The government has not forgotten you.” He pledged that they would be contacted as soon as any new information becomes available.
Prime Minister Luc Frieden, speaking separately, described a world undergoing profound transformation. Luxembourg and Europe, he said, cannot afford to limit themselves to the role of spectators. In order to achieve greater independence, the government intends to commit to a strong European foreign policy, expand trade with new partners, strengthen security, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy, Frieden declared.
