Luxembourg is examining all available options to repatriate around 600 Luxembourgers and residents currently stranded in the region, as a Luxair aircraft has now landed in Muscat, Oman.
According to flight tracking platform Flightradar, the airline’s Boeing 737 touched down in the Omani capital in the last few hours. The aircraft had been positioned in Egypt the previous day to ensure it could respond swiftly should a repatriation operation be required. With a capacity of 186 passengers, it is now in Oman.
Luxembourgish tourists in the region have also confirmed that a group has been travelling by coach from Dubai since this morning, as efforts continue to coordinate a safe return.
The military option remains under consideration. The Ministry of Defence is assessing the possibility of deploying Belgian and Luxembourgish military aircraft to assist in the operation. Addressing the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel acknowledged the uncertainty of the situation but sought to reassure those affected, stating: “The government has not forgotten you.”
Priority will be given to families with children and to those with serious medical conditions. All individuals concerned are expected to be contacted by Luxembourg’s consular assistance service in the coming hours and days.
Prime Minister Luc Frieden described the crisis as unfolding against the backdrop of a world undergoing profound change. “Luxembourg and Europe cannot confine themselves to the role of spectators”, he said, arguing for greater strategic autonomy. The government, he added, intends to pursue a stronger European foreign policy, diversify trade partnerships, bolster security, and accelerate the transition towards renewable energy.
