Greek F‑16 Crash‑Land at Zakynthos Airport Causes Runway Closure

Mon Sep 14 2026 10:38:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

An F‑16 fighter jet from the Greek Air Force crashed into the runway at Zakynthos airport, setting the strip aflame and halting flights during the island's busy summer season.

A Greek Air Force F‑16 fighter jet crash‑landed at Zakynthos airport at 13:45 local time, forcing an immediate runway shutdown and setting the strip on fire. The pilot was reported in good health while investigators probe a technical fault that prompted the emergency landing. Firefighters and airport staff doused the blaze while the damaged jet was secured. The incident arrived on the island’s peak holiday season, delaying dozens of flights and disrupting travel plans for arrivals from the UK and other European countries.

Greek F‑16 Crash‑Land at Zakynthos Airport Causes Runway Closure

A fighter jet belonging to the Greek Air Force crash‑landed on the main runway of Zakynthos International Airport at approximately 13:45 local time on Thursday, forcing an emergency shutdown and setting the strip ablaze.

The pilot, who was in good condition, was believed to have had a technical fault that compelled the emergency landing. An onboard fire was detected before touchdown, contributing to the flames that erupted on the runway after the jet skidded the final metres.

Emergency crews and airport personnel responded immediately, dousing the jet with water and extinguishing the fire. The air force identified the aircraft as belonging to the 335 Squadron of the 116th Combat Wing based at Araxos Air Base, but has not yet publicly commented on the fault investigation.

Runway 24/06 was closed until 21:00, resulting in delayed departures and arrivals, with the airport’s display boards noting cancellations and postponements for flights scheduled earlier in the day. The surge of tourists arriving for the summer holiday period—particularly from the UK—was disrupted as travel plans were put on hold.

A specialised Air Force team was expected to arrive on the island to remove the crash‑landed jet and restore airport operations, but the exact timeline remains under investigation.