F-16 fighter jet catches fire after emergency landing on Zakynthos

An F-16 fighter jet from the Greek Air Force made an emergency landing at the airport on the popular Greek tourist island of Zakynthos on Thursday, subsequently catching fire. The incident forced the closure of the airport amidst the busy tourist season, with all arrivals being rerouted.

The pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft before the fire spread extensively due to leaking fuel. The blaze engulfed the entire plane, prompting immediate safety measures and the airport's closure until further notice.

Video footage of the burning military jet circulated widely on social media, captured by numerous passengers. Greek media reports suggest a technical fault was the reason for the emergency landing, though the exact cause is still under investigation. Preliminary assessments indicate a possible malfunction in the aircraft's landing gear hydraulic system.

The closure of Zakynthos airport has caused significant disruption to travel plans for many tourists visiting the Ionian island. Authorities are working to assess the damage and clear the runway as quickly as possible while ensuring all safety protocols are met.