© RTL
Findel airport is due to undergo major renovations and modernisation over the next few years, with a hybrid tower option receiving cross-party support.
On Thursday, MPs on the Chamber of Deputies’ mobility committee heard that Luxembourg airport will receive a new "hybrid" control tower, alongside additional fuel tanks and clearer procedures for border checks.
Rather than the fully virtual tower considered by the government earlier this year, the plan now points to a hybrid design combining in situ and virtual control of the air space.
Minister Yuriko Backes said airports are important pillars for a country's resilience, requiring the necessary investment into infrastructure. "We see what's happening at other airports and we really need to invest in the security of our own, including IT systems."
A more pressing issue is the new tower at the airport, which was originally proposed as part of the 2018 coalition agreement. Now the project is starting to move forward. "I really want to emphasise that we will have a traditional tower with a view of the runway, but we'll also keep up with technology so we will have digital functionality. If one fails, the other can take over."
Before the summer break there was discussion of a purely digital tower. LSAP MP Yves Cruchten asked for clarification on the subject. "I am glad the idea of a virtual tower is off the table and that a solution is being sought where we have an analogue tower, where air traffic controllers can monitor aircraft with their eyes, combined with a digital approach. I think this is the right way to move forward."
The Greens' Meris Sehovic said the minister's proposal was acceptable and agreed that a virtual tower would have been the wrong decision. "This would have potentially put the sovereignty over our airspace at risk, as a digital tower could be operated outside of Luxembourg."
The Pirate Party's Marc Goergen said it was important to keep a physical tower at Findel. "It has to stay on site at Findel, so there can be an immediate reaction if, as we are seeing more and more warnings these days, the system is hacked."
The project's details are still undergoing discussion at the Ministry. MPs on the committee also agreed that a motion should be brought before the Chamber to ensure that that flight surveillance should continue to be carried out exclusively in Luxembourg in the future.
