Coordinating operations at Findel is becoming ever more complex, Alexander Flassak said on Tuesday morning during an interview with RTL’s Carine Lemmer. The airport is increasingly congested, he noted, and the runway has grown more sensitive to small disturbances, which now have major consequences.
In light of a recent accident involving a vintage plane, which led to the airport’s runway being closed, affecting more than 5,200 passengers and 66 flights that were cancelled, diverted or delayed, CEO of Lux-Airport, Alexander Flassak weighed in
Major expansion ahead
What is clear is that Findel will have to expand. A new record number of passengers is expected this year, at 5.7 million. The figures have doubled over the past ten years and are projected to double again to more than 10 million by 2050.
The airport is currently extremely busy in the mornings, especially with early Luxair departures. Evenings are also busy, while the middle of the day is quieter. Waiting times remain tolerable, but capacity definitely needs to be increased, according to the Lux-Airport boss.
Modernisation work is set to roll out over the coming years. Terminals A and B are to be expanded by 2028–29, with the extension of the main building due to be completed by 2032, by which point the tram will also stop directly outside the door.
Modern scanners only by 2028
At other international airports, more modern scanners are already in service, allowing passengers to keep liquids and electronic devices in their hand luggage. The technology makes checks considerably quicker and more comfortable.
The first such scanners are due to be trialled soon in the Business Aviation Centre, where private jets take off and land. For normal commercial flights at Findel, however, travellers will have to be patient until the terminal expansion arrives in 2028.
Just one runway
Luxembourg Airport will also continue to operate with a single runway. In principle, Flassak said, one runway is enough provided nothing goes awry. The runway was resurfaced in 2021–22, but problems emerged afterwards.
In the summers of 2024 and 2025, potholes on the runway caused major disruption. The runway will have to be redone again, the Lux-Airport boss said with regret. A complaint has been filed against the companies that carried out the original works. In the meantime, far more inspections are being conducted on the runway, since the weak spots are now well known. That, unfortunately, involves an enormous amount of staff time.
Moreover, sports aviation has a long tradition at Findel and should be preserved, Flassak said, but in the long-term plans it is no longer envisaged at Findel itself, since coexistence with commercial operations is becoming harder and harder. He said he hoped a new home could be found for sports aircraft elsewhere in Luxembourg.
16 airlines and 120 destinations
The holiday season has already kicked off at Findel. A record summer is expected, with 13.5% more passengers, or some 1.2 million additional travellers. Certain days in August will be particularly busy. The airport’s occupancy rates by day can also be checked on the Lux-Airport website. In the autumn, another airline will start serving Luxembourg, namely Etihad. A total of 16 airlines will fly from Findel to 120 destinations, with Luxair the leading carrier.
Around half of passengers arrive at the airport by public transport, mainly by tram. A further 25% park their cars at Findel in around 9,200 parking spaces, which are best reserved in advance.
