Turnhout (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Turnhout police received recent drone reports, likely linked to AZ Turnhout’s medical transport project started this summer. Authorities reassure the public that there is no reason for concern.
As VRT News reported, the police in Turnhout have received several reports from residents who spotted drones flying over the city in recent days. Authorities believe the drones could be linked to the medical transport project that began this summer at AZ Turnhout.
Both the police and AZ Turnhout have posted messages on social media to reassure residents.
“We understand that the drones may raise questions, especially during this period when drones are regularly in the news,”
the hospital said.
What are AZ Turnhout drones, and how do they transport medical supplies?
They explained that the drone flights are licensed and take place under strict safety rules. It is not certain whether all the reported drones belong to the hospital project, but every flight follows official flight paths and meets aviation standards.
How can you recognise the drones used for medical transport?
“The drones don’t fly over residential areas, but mainly over industrial estates and green spaces,”
says Lies Delvaux of AZ Turnhout.
According to officials, the medical drones used by AZ Turnhout follow a strict plan to keep every flight safe and on schedule. They fly at a steady speed on fixed routes that are chosen to avoid busy areas and possible risks. The drones do not stop during their journey and only land at set points to load or unload medical materials.
The drones operate only during the day, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and do not fly on weekends. AZ Turnhout uses 2 models for its transport missions. One is a red, aeroplane-shaped drone built for longer distances and higher speeds. The other is a white, square-shaped drone used for shorter routes and lighter loads. Both models are equipped with modern navigation tools.
“Do you see another suspicious situation, or are you unsure? Feel free to report it to your local police on 101. We follow up on all reports carefully,” the police added. “If you own a drone, make sure you follow the applicable regulations.”
The AZ Turnhout and AZ Herentals medical drone initiative began in July 2024, and the motivation behind the project was to improve hospital transport in the Kempen area. The initiative was planned in concert with the social enterprise A-Kwadraat, and support was provided by the Federal Ministry of Mobility and Transport.
The first test flights took place in mid-July 2025, and in August 2025, following the granting of all flight permits, the regular flights began. The drones transport blood samples, tissues, and medications from one hospital to another, saving time while eliminating road transport.
Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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