War in Iran: Luxembourg Government reviewing all options to organise repatriation flights

In the context of the crisis in the Middle East, the Government is currently exploring all available options to charter flights in order to repatriate the approximately 600 Luxembourg travellers currently stranded in the region as quickly and as safely as possible.

Over the past few days, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Mobility and Public Works, together with all relevant stakeholders, have identified possible repatriation arrangements, including flights operated by Luxair in coordination with the Government. These repatriation flights will be organised successively over the coming days.

In close coordination with its partners, in particular Belgium, the Luxembourg Defence is also examining various repatriation options involving military aircraft, including the use of an A400M aircraft or aircraft from the MRTT fleet.

In addition, the national airline Luxair has positioned a first non-commercial flight in the region, in Hurghada, Egypt, which may be mobilised to carry out repatriation operations, subject to developments in the security situation on the ground. At present, Muscat in Oman could serve as the departure point for the repatriation flights.

A repatriation priority order based on objective criteria will be established and communicated to the relevant passengers, including families with children and individuals with certified illnesses. Passengers who have been contacted in advance by the consular assistance service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be able to access successive flights. All persons concerned will be contacted by the consular assistance service in the coming hours and days.

The safety of Luxembourg travellers remains the Government's absolute priority at all times. Although no flights can be confirmed at this stage, the options under consideration will be continuously adjusted and implemented in line with developments in the risk situation, in close coordination with Luxembourg's representation on the ground, the stakeholders in the aviation sector, and in cooperation with the local authorities responsible for the management of the airspace.

Press release by the Ministry of Mobility and Public Works and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade