What happened at Zakynthos Airport?
On July 9, 2026, a Greek Air Force F-16 military aircraft performed an emergency landing without landing gear (so-called “belly landing”) at Zakynthos Dionysios Solomos International Airport (ZTH). During this maneuver, the aircraft caught fire, causing significant damage to the airport infrastructure.
This incident led to the temporary closure of the airport, with an estimated impact level of 3 out of 5. It is therefore a situation of partial disruption affecting arriving and departing flights at Zakynthos.
Which airports and flights are at risk?
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Main airport involved: Zakynthos Airport (ZTH)
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Affected flights: all scheduled commercial flights arriving and departing from Zakynthos are suspended or subject to significant delays until the airport is fully reopened and safe.
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Risk of chain delays: airports handling flights with stops or direct connections to Zakynthos, such as Athens (ATH) or other Greek hubs, may experience schedule changes due to passenger rerouting or route adjustments.
Passenger rights under EU261 regulation
Since Zakynthos is part of the European Union, flights to and from this airport fall under the EU261/2004 regulation, which protects passenger rights in case of cancellations, long delays, or denied boarding.
However, an incident caused by a military aircraft and an unforeseeable event like a military emergency landing can be considered extraordinary circumstances by airlines, reducing or excluding the direct obligation for monetary compensation.
In any case, airlines are required to provide passengers with:
- Material assistance: meals, drinks, and access to communications
- Alternative arrangements: transfer on later flights or refunds
Remember it is important to contact directly the airline with whom you purchased your ticket to know exactly your rights and available options.
Practical advice for passengers in Zakynthos
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Check your flight status: constantly monitor updates via the airline’s official website and on FlightGuard.
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Arrive at the airport with updated contact information: make sure you have the airline or customer service contact details.
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Consider travel alternatives:
- Direct flights or via nearby airports such as Athens (ATH)
- Sea or land transport to reach other destinations
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Prepare for long waits: since the closure can last several hours or days, bring food, water, and entertainment devices.
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Request assistance if needed: at airline desks or airport information points
How to monitor the situation
FlightGuard offers an up-to-date flight and airport status monitoring service. Keep an eye on the dedicated page for Zakynthos and make sure to check the risk associated with your flight on FlightGuard.
Sources
- Original article on AeroTime: Hellenic Air Force F-16 belly lands at Zakynthos Airport, catches fire
Want to know if your next flight is at risk? Check your flight risk on FlightGuard.
