Athens, Greece – Web Desk: A Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jet caught fire mid-flight after reportedly developing a technical fault, forcing the pilot to make a successful emergency landing near Zakynthos Airport, officials said.
According to Turkish media reports, the incident occurred near the popular Greek tourist island of Zakynthos, where the aircraft was conducting a routine training mission before the onboard fire warning system alerted the pilot to a possible emergency.
The pilot immediately diverted the aircraft to the nearest airport and carried out an emergency landing despite reports that the landing gear was not fully deployed. The fighter jet reportedly skidded along the runway for several metres before bursting into flames.
Airport firefighters and emergency rescue teams responded within minutes, quickly extinguishing the blaze and preventing further damage. The Greek Air Force confirmed that the pilot escaped unharmed and is in stable condition.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the technical malfunction and subsequent fire.
Following the incident, Zakynthos Airport was temporarily closed as a precaution, causing disruptions to several flights. Videos circulating on social media showed the burning fighter jet on the runway as firefighters battled the flames, sparking renewed discussion over safety procedures for military training flights.
