The runway of Zakynthos airport will remain closed until at least 19:00 on Thursday, July 9, 2026, after the emergency landing of an F-16 fighter jet that caught fire, state-run news agency amna.gr reported in the afternoon.
The emergency landing of the F-16 short before 2 0′ clock in the afternoon has caused great inconvenience to hundreds of tourists due to flight delays and cancellations.
The pilot is safe and in good health, and has already been transported by military helicopter to the 117th Fighter Wing in Andravida for preventive examinations.
A special Air Force team is expected on the island at 18:30 to remove the fuselage and clean the runway, while the next official update on the reopening of the airport is expected after 19:00.
