More flights with European emergency aid from Ostend may follow in the coming weeks. “It is an interesting location, including for medical equipment,” says De Smedt. “In terms of flight slots, Ostend is also slightly more flexible than the major airports: such operations are often planned at the last minute.”
The Commission further points out that European humanitarian aid is only provided through registered humanitarian organisations, such as UN agencies, international NGOs and organizations such as the Red Cross. These partner organizations must meet the “highest standards”.