Emergency landing of F‑16 at Zakynthos airport

A Hellenic Air Force F‑16 fighter jet suffered a technical fault during a training flight and landed on the runway of the island’s busy Zakynthos airport at about 13:45 local time. The pilot was reported to be in good health.

The aircraft slid dozens of metres with its landing gear retracted, igniting an onboard fire that was quickly extinguished by firefighters and airport staff. The incident closed the runway, forcing all arrivals and departures scheduled for the day to be delayed until 21:00.

The jet is believed to have been from the 335 Squadron of the 116th Combat Wing based at Araxos Air Base. A specialist air‑force team was dispatched to the island to remove the aircraft and restore operations.

The crash arrives at the start of the summer holiday season, when thousands of tourists—mostly from the United Kingdom—are expected to travel to the island a week later. The incident has prompted authorities to review safety protocols at the airport.

An investigation into the cause of the technical fault is underway. No injuries were reported and the aircraft is now a standing reminder of sudden aviation hazards amid relaxed holiday crowds.