Chaos at the airport with neighbors: The plane remained on the runway, flights were canceled

A chaotic situation unfolded at Split Airport today, leading to temporary disruptions in air traffic. An aircraft remained on the runway after landing, forcing the cancellation of all scheduled flights. The incident occurred in the afternoon, when an Airbus landed on flight IB0945 from Madrid. Following the landing, the aircraft’s front undercarriage deflated, causing it to remain on the runway. This led to the closure of the takeoff-and-landing strip, with airport authorities beginning the process of removing the plane and restoring normal operations as quickly as possible. The incident took place around 16:22 local time. According to Mate Melvan, a representative from the airport in Kastel, the Airbus had landed safely but encountered technical difficulties upon touchdown. The deflated landing gear prevented the aircraft from moving off the runway immediately. All passengers were safely evacuated and directed to the passenger terminal, where they could collect their luggage and continue their journeys. Despite the delay, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew. The presence of the grounded aircraft caused a ripple effect throughout the airport's operations. Subsequent flights were delayed or canceled due to the blockage of the runway. This disruption affected multiple departures, creating uncertainty for travelers who had planned to leave from Split during the busy summer season. The airport, which is one of the busiest in Croatia during peak travel times, faced additional challenges as a result of the incident. This was not the first such disruption at Split Airport in recent days. Earlier in the evening, air traffic was halted for approximately two hours due to the appearance of a drone near the runway. That incident also resulted in several flight cancellations. These consecutive issues have raised concerns among both passengers and aviation officials, highlighting the vulnerability of smaller airports to unexpected technical failures and external factors like unmanned aerial vehicles. Passengers expressed frustration over the delays, particularly given the high volume of traffic during the summer months. With Split serving as a key gateway for tourists visiting the Adriatic coast, the repeated interruptions have added to the inconvenience of travelers. Some reported long waits in terminals while others were unable to board their connecting flights. The airport has been working to manage these situations, but the frequency of such incidents suggests a need for improved contingency planning and emergency response protocols. Airport staff and maintenance teams are currently working to clear the runway and resume normal operations. Officials have confirmed that the deflated landing gear will be repaired or replaced before the aircraft can be moved. While the exact duration of the disruption remains unclear, efforts are being made to minimize further delays. As the situation develops, the impact on future flights and passenger schedules will depend on how swiftly the issue is resolved. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all individuals involved and restoring efficient air traffic flow as soon as possible.