During the Hautes Fagnes fire, Spa aerodrome played an important role in coordinating air operations and receiving European reinforcements.
This week, Cécile Neven, Walloon Minister for Airports, visited the site alongside Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, and Adrien Dolimont, Minister-President of Wallonia, to meet those who coordinated the operations.
The Minister paid tribute to the mobilisation of firefighters, rescue services, SPW teams, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, foreign partners, and also the aerodrome staff, who mobilised to receive air resources and ensure essential logistical support.
For Cécile Neven, this experience must now serve to prepare for the future. The fire clearly demonstrated how decisive rapid aerial intervention can be in an area like the Hautes Fagnes.
The Minister therefore wishes to examine, starting now, what role Spa aerodrome could play in the future emergency response framework, in consultation with all competent authorities.
This reflection is part of a clear ambition: to draw lessons from the field, strengthen our response capacity and make the most of the infrastructure Wallonia has at its disposal.