Zakynthos International Airport's runway was closed on Thursday after a Hellenic Air Force F-16 fighter jet crash-landed at 10:45 GMT, disrupting air traffic and leaving hundreds of British holidaymakers stranded. The incident comes as thousands flock to the Greek island for their summer breaks.
The F-16, which was on a training flight from Araxos Air Base's 335 Squadron, experienced technical difficulties during the landing attempt, according to the Hellenic Air Force. Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames engulfing the aircraft as it slid along the tarmac without deploying its landing gear.
Emergency services responded promptly to the incident, with firefighters battling a blaze that erupted on the runway. The cause of the fire remains unclear, although local reports suggest it may have been triggered by an onboard issue before landing. The Hellenic Air Force has launched an investigation into the incident.
The closure of the runway led to significant delays for flights scheduled for Thursday, with airport departure boards indicating that all services were delayed until at least 21:00 local time. This disruption will undoubtedly cause frustration for UK tourists, who rely on Zakynthos as a key destination during the peak summer months.
A specialist team from the Hellenic Air Force is expected to arrive on the island to oversee the removal of the aircraft and clear the runway for reopening. Until this process is complete, airport services will remain suspended, leaving holidaymakers to anxiously await news of when they can resume their journeys.