Austria's air rescue teams face record 1,605 missions during semester break

ÖAMTC Air Rescue handled a surge in emergency callouts during the 2026 semester break. Between January 31 and February 22, teams responded to 1,605 missions across Austria. The period saw a sharp rise in winter sports-related incidents, with 609 accidents recorded.

The busiest day was February 8, when crews completed 90 missions. On average, helicopters took off 70 times daily during the three-week stretch. Tyrol led all regions with 442 callouts, while Kitzbühel alone accounted for 116 of those.

Year-round air rescue bases managed 1,306 missions, while seasonal alpine helicopters added 299 more flights. Most medical transports fell under Austria's social insurance system, though patients involved in alpine sports accidents received direct billing. Over 90% of those affected carried sufficient car insurance to cover costs.

Data on the distribution of winter sports accidents beyond Tyrol was not available for 2026.

The semester break placed heavy demands on rescue services, particularly in alpine areas. With 609 winter sports incidents and a peak of 90 missions in a single day, the period highlighted the challenges of seasonal emergencies. Most patients had car insurance to cover costs, reducing financial strain from the high volume of callouts.