The airport is preparing to resume full operations after all required on-site procedures were successfully completed earlier today.
According to reliable sources, crews are currently carrying out the final cleanup of the runway. The operation is expected to take approximately 90 minutes, after which the airport will be ready to welcome arriving and departing flights once again.
The most encouraging outcome of the inspections so far is that no fatalities, major damage, or significant structural issues have been found on the runway infrastructure, allowing the reopening process to move forward as planned.
Extended Operating HoursTo accommodate delayed and rescheduled flights and ensure passengers can travel with minimal disruption, the airport will operate on an extended schedule:

• Tonight (12:00 a.m.) – The airport will officially reopen.
  
• Overnight – The airport will remain open throughout the night to facilitate flight operations.
  
• Friday, July 10 – The airport will continue operating on extended hours, with terminal facilities remaining open until 2:00 a.m. on Saturday to serve scheduled flights.
  

Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information, as schedules may continue to be adjusted during the return to normal operations.

There is encouraging news for travellers following today's disruption at Zakynthos International Airport.
According to local reports, including Ermis News, the Hellenic Air Force F-16 aircraft involved in today's emergency incident has now been removed from the runway. The aircraft was reportedly lifted by crane and will be transported to Kyllini and then on to Araxo, allowing the runway to be cleared.
Although airport authorities have not yet issued a formal announcement confirming that normal operations have fully resumed, there are positive signs that the airport is returning to service.
The official Zakynthos Airport flight information system is once again live and displaying arriving and departing flights, including active departures with check-in desks, boarding information and gate allocations. This suggests that airlines have begun operating flights again, although many services are still expected to run behind schedule as carriers work through the backlog caused by the temporary closure.
Passengers travelling today are advised to:

• Check the latest status of their flight directly with their airline before travelling to the airport.
• Allow extra time, as delays are likely to continue throughout the day and into the evening.
• Watch for emails or text messages from their airline regarding any schedule changes.

The situation is continuing to improve, and we expect flight operations to return to normal gradually as delayed aircraft and passengers are accommodated.
We will continue to monitor developments and provide further updates as more official information becomes available.
Last updated: 9 July 2026
More photos click on main source ermisnews.gr

​The Municipality of Zakynthos has issued the following update regarding today's temporary closure of Zakynthos International Airport.
The airport remains temporarily closed following the emergency landing of a military aircraft. Recovery operations are currently underway, and the necessary safety inspections are being carried out to ensure the runway can reopen safely.
According to the Mayor of Zakynthos, George Stasinopoulos, a further update will be provided after 7:00 PM. If no damage is found during the inspections, the airport is expected to reopen later this evening and remain operational throughout the night to accommodate today's scheduled flights.
The Municipality has asked local tourism businesses and accommodation providers to assist visitors whose departures have been affected by extending their stay where possible until normal airport operations resume.
The safety and wellbeing of both residents and visitors remain the highest priority. We understand that this unexpected situation may cause inconvenience and sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will share further updates as soon as official information becomes available.
Thank you for your cooperation, and we wish all our guests safe travels.

Travel Update: 
​Visitors travelling to or from Zakynthos today may experience flight delays following an incident involving a Hellenic Air Force aircraft at Zakynthos International Airport.
Earlier today, a military F-16 made an emergency landing at the airport. Emergency services responded immediately, the pilot was reported safe, and the runway was temporarily closed while the aircraft was secured and recovery operations began.
According to local authorities, the runway is expected to remain closed until at least 7:00 pm (19:00). A specialist Hellenic Air Force recovery team is due to remove the aircraft and clear the runway, after which the airport will assess when operations can safely resume.
There are local reports suggesting that some commercial flights may begin operating again after approximately 9:00 pm, although this has not yet been officially confirmed.
Fraport Greece, which operates Zakynthos Airport, has issued the following official advice:
"Runway operations have been suspended until further notice due to the emergency landing of a Hellenic Air Force aircraft. Passengers are advised to contact their airline or travel agent regarding any changes to scheduled flights."
At this stage:

• The airport remains temporarily closed to normal runway operations.
• Airlines are managing delays and any schedule changes individually.
• Many passengers have returned to their accommodation while awaiting further updates.

If you are travelling today, we recommend:

• Checking your flight status directly with your airline.
• Allowing extra time before travelling to the airport.
• Waiting for confirmation from your airline before leaving your accommodation if your flight has been delayed.

We will continue to monitor official updates from Fraport Greece and the airlines and will share further information as soon as it becomes available.
Last updated: Thursday 9 July 2026

Last Updated: Today

Passengers travelling to and from Zakynthos Airport should be aware of significant disruption following an emergency landing involving a Hellenic Air Force aircraft.
According to an official announcement from Zakynthos Airport (Fraport Greece), runway operations have been suspended until further notice for operational reasons after the military aircraft made an emergency landing at Zakynthos International Airport "Dionysios Solomos".
Official Airport Announcement
"Due to an emergency landing of a military aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force at Zakynthos Airport 'Dionysios Solomos', runway operations will be suspended for operational reasons until further notice. For the better service of passengers, travelers are advised to consult their airline and travel agencies regarding any changes to scheduled flights." (zth-airport.gr)
National T.V station ERTNews stated that operations will not begin until the  military aircraft has been removed from the runway.  

What This Means for Travellers
As Zakynthos Airport operates with a single runway, all arrivals and departures are likely to experience delays until airport authorities confirm that operations have resumed. Some flights may also be rescheduled depending on how long the runway remains closed.
If you are due to fly today:

• Check directly with your airline for the latest flight information.
• Keep an eye on the airport's live departures and arrivals boards.
• Do not travel to the airport without first confirming the status of your flight if possible. (zth-airport.gr)

Pilot Reported Safe
Greek media report that the Hellenic Air Force F-16 made an emergency landing following an in-flight malfunction. Emergency services responded immediately, and the pilot is reported to be safe. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Zakynthos InformerWe will continue to monitor the situation and update our readers as soon as Fraport Greece or the airlines confirm that the runway has reopened and normal operations resume.
We wish everyone travelling today a safe journey and thank passengers for their patience while airport staff manage this unexpected situation.


If you would like to read more on this topic please click on the link below:-
www.zakynthosinformer.com/blog/emergency-landing-for-hellenic-air-force-f-16-at-zakynthos-airport?fbclid=IwY2xjawS8euNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeG4aBuEe7xmkkZtYG41bzWBLJxFifs8goYGWC1vxstbbPxq47HTKpV89vwlI_aem_Gb5S07Ec7bJmCiGgBATajA

Photo Exclusive: original photo by Neil Bray:-  Airport firefighters surround a Hellenic Air Force F-16 with firefighting foam following its emergency landing at Zakynthos International Airport on Thursday. The pilot landed safely and was unharmed as emergency crews responded to the incident.

Pilot safe as emergency services respond – no injuries reported
A Hellenic Air Force F-16 fighter jet made an emergency landing at Zakynthos International Airport earlier after the pilot reported a technical problem during flight.
According to the information available, the pilot declared an emergency before safely landing the aircraft at Zakynthos Airport, following established emergency procedures. The pilot exited the aircraft safely and no injuries have been reported.
A major emergency response was immediately launched, with airport firefighters and emergency services rushing to the scene.
As the incident unfolded, a resident witnessed black smoke rising from the airport, while the sound of emergency sirens could be heard across the surrounding area. At least four airport fire engines responded, surrounding the aircraft within minutes of it coming to a stop on the airfield.
Firefighters quickly covered the aircraft and the surrounding area with firefighting foam as a precaution while emergency personnel continued to monitor the situation. At the time of publication, emergency crews remained at the scene. Emergency services responded immediately, and the aircraft was surrounded with fire-suppressant foam as a precaution against a possible fuel or engine fire. This is standard procedure when there is a suspected hydraulic leak, overheated brakes, engine problem or fuel leak after an emergency landing.
The exact nature of the technical problem has not yet been officially disclosed. The Hellenic Air Force is expected to carry out a technical inspection and investigation to determine the cause of the emergency landing.
Reports circulating on social media have suggested that some inbound commercial flights may have been diverted while the incident was being dealt with. However, at the moment we have not been able to independently verify those claims, and no official statement has yet been issued by Fraport Greece or Zakynthos Airport confirming diversions or widespread disruption to commercial flight operations.
For travellers due to arrive in or depart from Zakynthos, there have been no reports of injuries or damage to the airport's runway or infrastructure, and there is currently no official indication that the airport has been closed. As a precaution, passengers are advised to check directly with their airline for the latest information regarding their flight while emergency procedures are completed.
The incident attracted considerable attention across the island, with many residents and visitors witnessing the emergency response as firefighters worked to secure the aircraft.
Zakynthos Informer will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more official information becomes available.
video follows:-
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Travelers passing through Zakynthos International Airport may now have a new fast-food option before departure, as recent customer photos appear to confirm the opening of a Burger King inside the terminal.
For several weeks, rumors had been circulating across social media suggesting that the popular international chain had quietly arrived at Zakynthos Airport (ZTH). However, with no official announcement and no mention on the airport’s dining pages, many visitors were unsure whether the reports were genuine.
That uncertainty may now be over.
Photos shared online today show clear Burger King branding inside the airport, including Whopper packaging, fries, official tray liners, sauces, and what appears to be a same-day receipt from the location. The menu design also closely matches Burger King restaurants already operating in other Greek regional airports.
The apparent opening represents another step in the modernization of Zakynthos Airport, which continues to see increasing passenger numbers during the summer tourism season. The airport has become one of Greece’s busiest seasonal gateways, welcoming large numbers of visitors from the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavia every year.
Until now, food options inside the terminal mainly focused on cafés, snacks, and bakery-style outlets. The addition of Burger King gives passengers another internationally recognized dining choice, especially useful during busy departure periods when travelers are often looking for quick and familiar meals before boarding.
Interestingly, the launch appears to have happened quietly, without the large promotional campaigns typically associated with major international brands. As a result, many early social media posts were initially dismissed as speculation or edited images.
The newly surfaced customer photos, however, strongly suggest that the restaurant is now fully operational.
Burger King has been gradually expanding its presence across Greek airports in recent years, particularly in locations managed under the Fraport Greece network. Zakynthos now appears to be joining airports such as Corfu and Rhodes in offering the brand to international travelers.
For visitors flying home after their holidays on the island, the famous Whopper may now officially be part of the Zakynthos airport experience.

We have some fantastic news for our guests traveling from the UK! While a new digital border system (the Entry/Exit System - EES) is launching across most of Europe this month, the Greek Embassy in London
 and the Hellenic Police have confirmed a special exemption that makes your journey to our island much smoother.
What’s the news?
As of April 10, 2026, the Greek government has officially decided that British passport holders are exempt from the new requirement to provide fingerprints and facial scans when arriving at Greek borders, that means Zakynthos, too.
While other holiday destinations in Europe might see long queues for biometric registration, Greece is prioritizing a "smoother and faster" experience for our UK friends.
What to expect when you land:
According to the latest instructions from the Hellenic Police, here is what you need to do upon arrival at our airport or port:

• No Fingerprints or Photos: You will not be asked to use the new biometric kiosks for fingerprints or facial images.
• Traditional Passport Control: Simply head to the standard passport control booths as you did last year.
• Manual Stamping: A border official will check and stamp your passport manually to log your entry.
• Keep Documents Ready: Although the process is faster, you should still have your return ticket, proof of accommodation, and travel insurance details ready, as officials may still ask to see them.

Important Reminders:

1. Only for Greece: This exemption applies specifically to direct entry into Greece. If you are transiting through another Schengen country (like France or Germany), you may still be asked for biometrics there.
2. 90-Day Rule: The 90-day stay limit within a 180-day period still applies to all UK travelers.
3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport was issued less than 10 years ago and is valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date.

We can’t wait to welcome you to our island! Travel safe, and we’ll see you soon under the Zakynthian sun. ☀️

​ British passport holders travelling to Greece should be aware that the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) applies to all non-EU nationals, including UK citizens. Under EES, travellers may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a facial image) on their first entry into the Schengen Area. 

Important clarification 
A communication published via an official Greek government UK-facing channel has stated that British passport holders are “excluded from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.” However, this statement is not reflected in EU legislation or broader official guidance, including information from the European Union and the UK Government. At present, there is no confirmed legal exemption for British nationals from EES biometric requirements when entering Greece. 
⚠️ Important context (this is where it gets tricky)This statement is not typical of the wider EU policy:

• The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) generally requires biometric data (fingerprints + photo) for most non-EU travellers, including UK citizens
• The system became fully operational on 10 April 2026

So the Greek page is suggesting an exception or special handling, which:

• isn’t widely reflected in broader EU guidance
• may be temporary, location-specific, or subject to change.

⚠️ So what’s REALLY happening?Right now, the most accurate interpretation is:
✔️ The exemption is likely temporary or practical — not legalBecause:

• Greece (like other countries) is still testing and struggling with rollout
• There are technical issues and long queues
• Some countries are quietly relaxing or adapting procedures at specific borders

👉 This matches reports that:

• Not all borders are consistently taking biometrics yet
• Some travellers are processed differently depending on airport or timing
• What travellers are actually experiencingFrom combined reports:
• Some UK travellers are being fingerprinted + photographed
• Others only get facial scan
• A few report no biometrics taken at all (yet)
• 👉 In other words: inconsistent rollout
  
  Our advice.
  Until formally clarified by the Greek authorities or the European Commission, British travellers should: Expect to be processed under the EES system. Be prepared to provide biometric data on arrival. Allow additional time at border control, particularly during the initial rollout period.
   Updates.
   We are monitoring official sources closely and will update this guidance if a confirmed exemption or procedural change is formally introduced.
  
• All photos are from public domain and are credited to their rightful owner
  
  
  
  

Fraport Greece, the operator of 14 regional airports across Greece, has announced the fourth phase of runway renovation and reconstruction works at several airports, including Zakynthos (ZTH). As part of its ongoing multi-year upgrade program aimed at enhancing safety, infrastructure, and operational efficiency, Fraport will temporarily suspend runway operations at Zakynthos International Airport “Dionysios Solomos” from 2 February 2026 to 16 February 2026. The works will include runway resurfacing, reinforcement of safety zones, and infrastructure improvements to meet international aviation standards.
Located on the Ionian island of Zakynthos, the airport serves both domestic and international flights, especially during the busy summer season. During the scheduled closure, regular flights will be suspended or rerouted, although provisions may exist for emergency or special operations. These upgrades form part of Fraport Greece’s broader investment to modernize and improve passenger experience and safety across its network of airports, supported by national and EU funding. Travellers planning to visit Zakynthos around this period are advised to check with airlines for updated schedules and possible alternative travel arrangements.
Source:- Fraport Greece.