The long-discussed question of whether a dedicated hangar for a rescue helicopter could be built in Luxembourg’s northernmost region may soon move forward. While Ettelbruck currently hosts the helicopter near its hospital, the facility there may not be viable for much longer, and discussions around alternatives are gaining traction.
There are several reasons why the current site in Ettelbruck is no longer ideal, explained René Closter, founder of the Luxembourg Air Rescue (LAR), in conversation with RTL. One major concern is that the approach route for helicopters no longer meets international safety standards.
Additionally, when the emergency helicopter stationed in Ettelbruck is deployed within the Nordstad region, backup must be despatched from Luxembourg City, which creates delays.
Closter also pointed out that weather conditions often vary significantly: while both Ettelbruck and northern Luxembourg may have favourable flying weather, there is a recurring weather barrier near Knapphopscheid – especially in winter – where fog tends to settle. This can prevent helicopters from safely passing through, making some routes unusable despite clear skies on either end.
Hospital officials have also raised concerns that the hangar interferes with expansion plans for the facility. While there is no definitive timeline for vacating the site, stakeholders are eager for progress to be made.
Troisvierges remains high on the list of possible replacements. Closter, who is originally from the town, said that the municipality has shown strong interest, particularly in the context of a new Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) base planned for the area.
Still, he stressed that other municipalities, such as Hosingen, have also shown interest, although no tangible progress has been made in choosing a location.
Closter added that any decision depends not just on LAR, but also on the CGDIS and the Ministry of Home Affairs, which have jurisdiction over emergency services in the country.
According to the CGDIS, Luxembourg will retain its two-rescue-helicopter setup. However, the issue is linked to a broader restructuring effort under the upcoming revision of the National Rescue Organisation Plan (PNOS), which is currently being drafted.
Troisvierges is one of several potential sites under consideration. The CGDIS also indicated that the helicopter hangar could be built independently of the planned CGDIS base.
Paul Schroeder, Director of the CGDIS, said the core challenge in Luxembourg is usually administrative – determining whether a project can even be approved under planning regulations. He acknowledged that Troisvierges is quite far north, but noted that from an operational standpoint, the location is not inherently unsuitable for a helicopter base.
Although he had not heard of a formal proposal from Hosingen, he said any such expression of interest would be worth exploring. Ultimately, any decision would have to balance cost with practical benefits, according to Schroeder.
Closter added that Belgian authorities had recently reached out to LAR to ask whether it would be possible to fly missions near the border using helicopters equipped for firefighting, specifically those that can carry water.
The updated PNOS is expected to be finalised by the end of this year, with a consultation phase involving local municipalities scheduled to begin in early 2026. All relevant parties emphasised that even if the helicopter hangar is relocated further north, a landing site will remain available near or directly at the hospital in Ettelbruck to ensure continued emergency access.
