Mid-season drama: Airplane tire burst on landing, runway closed for second time in 24 hours

Aircraft tire burst during landing at Split Airport, prompting temporary closure of runway Split’s Sveti Jeronim Airport temporarily halted air traffic Saturday after an incident involving a Spanish airline aircraft. The Airbus operated by Iberia landed on flight IB0945 from Madrid around 16:22 local time, but a tire on the front landing gear burst, forcing the plane to remain on the runway. All 172 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated and directed to the passenger terminal to retrieve luggage and continue their journeys. No injuries were reported. The runway was closed temporarily as crews worked to remove the aircraft and restore normal operations. This marks the second closure of Split’s airport within less than 24 hours. Earlier in the week, on Thursday evening, air traffic was suspended for nearly two hours due to the appearance of a drone near the runway. For safety reasons, several flights were canceled or diverted, leading to large crowds forming in the passenger terminal. Split Airport is one of Croatia’s busiest aviation hubs, particularly during peak tourist season. The recent incidents have added to the challenges faced by airport authorities in maintaining smooth operations amid rising demand. The drone sighting prompted heightened security measures, with officials emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of airspace regulations. The tire failure occurred shortly after the aircraft touched down, raising concerns about maintenance standards and emergency response protocols. According to statements from the airport’s spokesperson, the situation was managed efficiently, ensuring passenger safety remained the top priority. However, the repeated disruptions highlight ongoing pressures on infrastructure and operational capacity during high-traffic periods. Airport staff reported that the removal of the damaged aircraft and subsequent inspections took several hours to complete. During this time, alternative arrangements were made for affected travelers, including shuttle services and coordination with nearby airports to accommodate stranded passengers. Despite these efforts, delays and logistical challenges were inevitable. Authorities have called for increased vigilance regarding both mechanical failures and unauthorized drones in restricted airspace. With tourism continuing to drive demand, the airport faces growing demands to enhance its resilience against unexpected disruptions. The latest incident underscores the delicate balance between operational efficiency and safety in one of Europe’s key travel gateways. The airport is expected to resume regular operations once all necessary checks and repairs are completed. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.