Lieutenant Colonel Konstantinos Gravalos of the Hellenic Air Force told the media that the F-16C Fighting Falcon, one of over 100 operated by the Greek air arm, suffered an unspecified technical malfunction while on a training sortie on Jul. 9, 2026. The pilot elected to make an emergency landing at Zakynthos Airport, which is known to many as the popular tourist destination Zante.

Footage shows the F-16 on the airport tarmac on its belly, with flames erupting around the aircraft. Fire crews doused the flames with water and foam. It is clear that the pilot left the aircraft as normal, without ejecting, as the canopy and seat are still present on the jet.

Αναγκαστική προσγείωση F-16 στο αεροδρόμιο της Ζακύνθου pic.twitter.com/pbceDCzXuD

— Kathimerini_Web (@KathimeriniWeb) July 9, 2026

Other footage, taken as the aircraft approached the runway, confirms that the undercarriage was not deployed before landing. 

Hellenic Air Force F-16 performed a gear-up landing at Dionysios Solomos (ZTH) airport on the Greek island of Zakynthos due to a landing gear malfunction today.

The F-16 caught fire on the ground and the pilot safely egressed without ejecting. pic.twitter.com/blKgZGseP2

— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) July 9, 2026

Some initial reports claimed the jet belonged to the U.S. Air Force, but even before the Hellenic Air Force’s confirmation the Greek national markings and dark grey paint scheme clearly identified the operator. 

Flights scheduled to arrive at the airport were diverted to a number of nearby locations, including Athens, Corfu, and Thessaloniki. 

The Notice to Airmen/Aviation (NOTAM) closing Zakynthos’ runway to all but approved medical, government, and military helicopters was issued at 12:10 UTC. 

Local media reports say the F-16 belongs to the 116th Combat Wing at Araxos Air Base in Eastern Greece. The wing is comprised of the 336th Bomber Squadron and 335th Squadron, both flying F-16s. They were notably the last unit in the world to operate the A-7 Corsair II, which retired in 2014. 

This article concerns a developing news story and may be updated as new information becomes available.