A Greek F-16 fighter jet crash-landed on the runway at Zakynthos Island, a popular tourist spot, causing a fire and forcing the runway to close.
Foreign news agencies reported on Thursday, 9 July 2026, that a Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jet made an emergency landing that resulted in an accident at the airport on Zakynthos Island, one of Greece’s busiest airports during the summer season, leading to a runway closure.
The Air Force stated the aircraft, which was on a training flight, landed around 1:45 p.m. local time on Thursday after a technical malfunction. The pilot exited the aircraft safely, while authorities are investigating the cause of the incident.
Local Greek media reported the jet received a fire warning before landing, and a fire broke out on the runway, prompting firefighters and airport personnel to respond immediately with emergency measures.
The Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported the fighter jet landed without deploying its landing gear, causing it to skid several dozen meters along the runway. However, the Greek Air Force has not yet commented on these reports.
Additionally, videos surfaced on social media showing the jet ablaze while firefighters sprayed water to extinguish the fire.
The Air Force said the aircraft belonged to the 335 Squadron of the 116 Combat Wing, based at Araxos Air Base in western Greece.
The runway closure caused flight delays, with the airport’s flight schedule display showing all remaining Thursday flights postponed until 9:00 p.m., coinciding with the start of Greece’s summer holiday season.
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Source:bbc