Luxembourg probes drone sightings that halted Findel airport flights
Luxembourg is investigating unidentified drones that forced a temporary suspension of flights at Findel airport, diverting 19 flights before operations resumed.
Luxembourg authorities are investigating the appearance of unidentified drones over the country's main airport, which prompted a temporary halt to flight operations and the diversion of 19 flights.
The government said services at Luxembourg Airport were suspended after drones were visually spotted in the airspace over Findel. Operations resumed at about 1:20 a.m. local time, roughly two hours after the suspension began late on Friday.
Prime Minister Luc Frieden told reporters the country was dealing with a new kind of challenge. He said Luxembourg had been "confronted with something new" — the presence of potentially larger drones in its airspace — and that the phenomenon had been observed over the preceding days, leading to what he described as a precautionary measure.
The Interministerial Drone Assessment Unit was convened to evaluate the situation, and the prime minister met a group of ministers and relevant authorities, according to the government.
In its statement, the government said the information gathered so far does not permit firm conclusions. Competent authorities are continuing to examine all the material collected and to carry out the necessary checks in close cooperation with international partners.