Will there be a new rescue aviation base in Luxembourg?
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The long-standing discussion about the creation of a permanent hangar for a rescue helicopter in northern Luxembourg is back on the agenda. The helicopter is now based at the hospital in Ettelbruck, but this solution no longer fulfils the requirements - both technical and logistical.
As René Closter, founder of Luxembourg Air Rescue (LAR), explained, the current site does not meet international approach standards. At the same time, weather conditions in the region often hinder fast transfers - dense fog often settles over the Knapphopscheid area in winter, blocking the route despite clear weather at the start and destination.
An additional factor was a conflict of interest: the hangar interferes with the expansion of hospital infrastructure, and its presence jeopardises the long-term development plans of the medical facility.
The name Troisvierges, Closter's hometown, where a new Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) base is planned, is increasingly being mentioned as an alternative. The municipality is actively expressing interest and the project could be realised as part of the renewal of the National Rescue Plan (PNOS), which is currently being revised.
However, the solution requires the involvement of several players: the LAR, CGDIS and the Ministry of the Interior. CGDIS Director General Paul Schroeder said that the main obstacle in Luxembourg is not technical, but administrative: obtaining authorisations often hinders even apparently useful initiatives.
The city of Hosingen has also expressed interest, although without any concrete proposals so far. Although Schröder admitted that Trouavierge is quite far north, he does not see this as a problem - logistically, the location is acceptable. It is also possible that the hangar will be built independently of the CGDIS base.
Until the project is given the green light, the option of keeping the helicopter landing option at the hospital in Ettelbrück is being discussed, even if the main base is relocated. This is important to ensure uninterrupted access to emergency care.
The final version of the PNOS is expected by the end of 2025, with consultations with municipalities to start in 2026. If political will coincides with technical realities, the north of the country may finally have its own airbase - and this could significantly reduce emergency response times.
