Why Zwartberg's water-bombing planes are not currently used in the High Fens: 'They are all abroad'

The firefighting planes typically based at Zwartberg airport are not currently deployed to combat fires in the High Fens region. This absence is due to a contract the operating company, Aquarius Aerial Firefighting, has with the Turkish government, which requires the aircraft to be in Turkey for several months.

"We have 1 aircraft in Luxembourg and that is on standby to help," stated pilot Wieger Ketellapper. This single available plane is ready to be dispatched to Belgium. However, its deployment is on hold because the airspace above the High Fens is considered too crowded for an additional firefighting aircraft at this time.

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We have 1 aircraft in Luxembourg and that is on standby to help.

Currently, two Swedish firefighting planes have arrived and are actively working to extinguish the fires. Additionally, Belgian and Dutch helicopters are also providing support in the High Fens area. The standby aircraft in Luxembourg remains grounded until Belgian security services deem there is sufficient space in the airspace.

"As soon as the Belgian security services judge that there is enough room in the airspace, we can leave," Ketellapper concluded. He highlighted the advantage of the Luxembourg base, noting that the plane can reach the affected area very quickly once cleared for takeoff.

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As soon as the Belgian security services judge that there is enough room in the airspace, we can leave.