Zagreb Airport closed after private jet skids off runway

(Photo: Zagreb Airport/CC BY-SA 4.0)

ZAGREB, 8 June 2025 – Franjo Tuđman Airport in Zagreb has been temporarily closed to all air traffic following an incident involving a private jet on Sunday afternoon.

A Cessna 525 aircraft, operated by Air Pannonia and registered as 9A-JIM, skidded off the runway onto the grass while landing at 15:21 local time.

The jet was arriving from Milan Linate Airport. According to preliminary reports, a tyre reportedly burst upon landing, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and come to a halt on the adjacent grass surface.

There were no passengers or crew injured in the incident. In fact, the aircraft was flying empty at the time, according to Air Pannonia representatives.

“At 15:21 local time, during the landing of a private aircraft operated by Air Panonia, a Cessna 525 with registration 9A-JJIM, the aircraft skidded onto a grassy area at the edge of the runway at Zagreb Airport. 

Preparations are currently underway to remove the aircraft, and in accordance with the prescribed activity plan, Zagreb Airport is temporarily closed to all traffic until further notice.  According to representatives of the airline Air Panonia, the flight was empty, and there are no reported injuries,” Franjo Tuđman Airport confirmed in a statement.

Officials have apologised to passengers for delays and disruptions, stating that flight operations will resume once the aircraft has been safely removed and inspections are completed.

Unofficial estimates suggest that the closure may last several more hours, with normal operations likely to resume later in the evening.

The aircraft involved is a twin-engine Cessna 525 jet, owned by Air Pannonia, a company based in Osijek, Večernji list reported.

The luxurious jet can accommodate six passengers and two crew members, has a range of 2,400 kilometres, and cruises at a speed of around 720 km/h.

It is commonly used for VIP transport, and reportedly completed over 10 private flights in June alone, mostly to and from Italy.

Passengers are advised to check the airport’s official website (MZLZ.hr) for the latest updates on flight statuses and reopening times.