An F-16 fighter jet made an emergency landing in Zakynthos after experiencing a mechanical failure.

The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) aircraft had taken off from the 116th Combat Wing at Araxos and was participating in an exercise when it developed the malfunction, forcing it to make an emergency landing at the nearest airport, which was Zakynthos Airport.

According to the available information, the pilot is in good health.

Diakou Zakynthou National Airport, the island’s main gateway for tourists, is temporarily shut following the emergency landing of a Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jet earlier today. Crews are working to clear the aircraft from the runway while technical inspections are carried out to confirm it is safe to reopen. The Municipality of Zakynthos says it expects an update after 7pm, with the airport hoped to resume operations and stay open overnight to handle the backlog of delayed flights, provided no damage is found.

The Municipality of Zakynthos has announced that the island’s airport remains temporarily closed.

According to the municipality’s statement, work is currently under way to remove the aircraft from the runway, while technical inspections are being carried out to ensure it can reopen safely. An update is expected on Thursday evening.

Provided the inspections find no damage, the airport is anticipated to resume operations and remain open overnight in order to accommodate the flights that have been disrupted.

The municipality stressed that the top priority for Mayor George Stasinopoulos and the local administration is to ensure the safest and swiftest possible response for both residents and visitors to the island.

At the same time, the municipality has appealed to local tourism professionals to inform travellers who had been due to depart from Zakynthos today, and, where possible, to help arrange extended stays at their accommodation until the airport is fully operational again.

Residents and travellers are advised to follow official updates from the Municipality of Zakynthos and the relevant authorities regarding the airport’s reopening.