Your daily briefToday's most important news in one place

Luxair CEO says Embraer E195-E2 ‘not a bad choice’

In response to speculation following the unexpected return of one of its new Embraer jets, Luxair CEO Gilles Feith has publicly defended the aircraft, calling it “not a bad choice”.

The remarks came during an interview on RTL Radio on Tuesday morning. Feith sought to reassure the public, stating the airline is “very relaxed about it” and that the aircraft remains a sound part of its fleet. The CEO explained that a range of aircraft models, including certain Airbus jets and the Embraer E195-E2, are restricted from taking off in specific, extreme weather conditions – such as freezing fog with visibility below 100m. However, he clarified that this was not the cause of Monday’s incident, which was triggered by a technical warning.

Feith emphasised that the crew could have continued the flight safely, but that Luxair applies heightened caution with new aircraft. He described the decision to return as an “absolutely standard procedure” in aviation, one that occurs frequently across the industry and not solely at Luxair.

Also today

• EU lawmakers have agreed to hold off ratifying a key trade deal with the United States following President Donald Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland, the main political groups said Tuesday.
• Amid rising international concern over drone incursions, the Luxembourg government is drafting an action plan to defend critical infrastructure, with MPs expressing cautious optimism following a closed-door parliamentary briefing.
• Thousands of farmers driving tractors and waving flags have descended on the European parliament in Strasbourg to protest the newly signed Mercosaur bloc deal.
• The trial has begun for the former Differdange mayor, Roberto Traversini, over claimed conflict of interests, as charged by the public prosecutor’s office, alleging he abused his former office for personal gain
• A severe solar storm generated a widely visible northern lights display across Europe on 19–20 January, with limited sightings reported in Luxembourg amid variable cloud cover.
• Luxembourg-based satellite operator SES is launching a major strategic shift by bringing core satellite development and manufacturing in-house for the first time in its 40-year history, establishing a new national Space Campus to serve the broader industry.

On air

Olivia Dean featured on the Algo-rhythm and anyone up for a bit of Handball?

Figure of the day

Unemployment holds steady at 6.2% in Luxembourg

• Luxembourg’s unemployment rate held steady in December 2025, at 6.2%, with approximately 21,100 individuals seeking work.
• While this figure marks an 8% increase from the same month a year prior, job vacancies also saw a significant rise of 7.1% over the year. The current unemployment level is partly attributed to an increased number of highly qualified individuals looking for work.

Stay connected: tune in to RTL Today Radio, now on DAB+, and follow the latest news as it unfolds on our website.