A Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jet made an emergency landing after a technical malfunction at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH), disrupting operations during a busy holiday season. The pilot escaped unharmed, while airport operations were temporarily disrupted as emergency crews responded to the incident.
Landing due to technical fault
The Hellenic Air Force said the F-16, assigned to the 335th Squadron of the 116th Fighter Wing, was taking part in a training flight when it developed a technical fault. The aircraft made an emergency landing at ZTH at around 1:45 p.m. local time on July 9.
Emergency services quickly surrounded the aircraft after the jet landed without deploying its landing gear, and flames were seen following the belly landing. The cause of the malfunction is now under investigation, but the pilot is said to be “in good health”, according to the Air Force.
Airport operations temporarily affected
ZTH is one of Greece’s busiest summer getaways with only one runway. The emergency response temporarily disrupted airport operations, delaying flights until 9 p.m. while the runway was cleared and crews completed their work. Delayed flights were operated by major European carriers, including Ryanair, on routes to and from the UK, and passengers were provided with standard food and drink vouchers. The airport later resumed operations after the incident was brought under control.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the technical problem that forced the emergency landing. While dramatic footage of the aircraft quickly spread online, officials confirmed the pilot was safe, and no injuries on the ground were reported.
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