Details of the drama at Split airport that stopped all flights: 'There was a serious accident'

On August 1, 2026, at approximately 16:22 local time, a serious incident occurred at Split Airport involving an Airbus 320 operated by Spanish airline Iberia. The aircraft, which had arrived from Madrid on flight IB0945, suffered damage to its front landing gear strut during landing. As a result, the plane was brought to a stop on the runway, prompting immediate action to ensure passenger safety and restore normal operations. The incident marked the second major disruption to air traffic at Split Airport within a short period. Earlier that evening, the airport had been temporarily closed due to repeated sightings of drones near the runway. This led to the suspension of all air traffic for about two hours, with several flights being canceled and long queues forming at the terminal. According to reports from the Croatian Airports Authority, the drone activity prompted heightened security measures, affecting both incoming and outgoing flights. Following the drone-related closure, the airport resumed operations around 18:30. However, the arrival of the Iberia flight introduced another layer of complexity. Upon landing, the Airbus 320 experienced a tire blowout on its front landing gear. Emergency procedures were initiated immediately, with passengers safely evacuated from the aircraft. No injuries were reported among the 172 passengers and six crew members onboard. The incident has triggered a formal investigation by the Agency for Investigation of Accidents in Aviation, Maritime, and Railway Transport. In accordance with EU regulations on accident investigations and prevention in civil aviation, the agency has launched a safety inquiry into the incident. The investigation will examine the cause of the tire failure and assess whether any maintenance or operational factors contributed to the occurrence. The Airbus 320 involved in the incident is over 22 years old and three months old, having been in service since the beginning of Spain’s national carrier's fleet. The aircraft was operating under normal conditions until the moment of landing, when the unexpected tire failure occurred. Both the Split Airport and the Ministry of Interior’s Operational Communications Center were promptly informed of the situation. As part of the response to the incident, the takeoff and landing strip was temporarily closed again to allow for the removal of the damaged aircraft and to ensure safe conditions for resuming air traffic. Crews worked swiftly to clear the runway and prepare for the continuation of flights. Despite the disruptions, efforts were made to minimize delays and provide affected travelers with timely updates. The day’s events have placed additional pressure on the staff at Split Airport, particularly during the peak tourist season. With two separate incidents causing temporary closures, the airport faced challenges in maintaining smooth operations while ensuring the safety of all users. The combination of drone activity and mechanical failures highlights the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in managing unexpected disruptions.