Zagreb Airport Closure on Sunday Leads to 59 Flight Cancellations

Key Takeaways

• Zagreb Airport closed nearly 10 hours after Air Panonia Cessna 525 skidded off runway June 8, 2025.
• 59 flights canceled, impacting thousands; airport reopened June 9 with resumed normal schedule.
• Recovery was difficult due to plane resting on dirt; emergency services assisted in clearing runway.

Zagreb Airport Faces Major Disruption: 59 Flights Canceled After Runway Incident

On Sunday, June 8, 2025, Zagreb Airport faced a major disruption that affected thousands of travelers and the airport’s regular operations. A private aircraft skidded off the runway, forcing the airport to close for nearly ten hours. This closure led to the cancellation of 59 flights and left many passengers stranded or scrambling for alternative plans. The airport has since reopened, but the effects of the incident are still being felt by airlines, travelers, and airport staff.

This article provides a detailed look at what happened, why it mattered, and what it means for everyone involved. It also explains the steps taken by the airport, the impact on air traffic, and what travelers can expect moving forward.

What Happened at Zagreb Airport?

Who: The incident involved an Air Panonia Cessna 525, a small private jet, with registration number 9A-JIM.
What: The aircraft skidded off the runway and ended up on a grassy area beside the main runway.
When: The event took place at 15:21 local time (3:21 PM) on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Where: Zagreb Airport, the main international airport serving Croatia’s capital city.
Why: The exact cause of the runway incident is still under investigation, but no emergency alert was declared, and no injuries were reported.
How: The aircraft was not carrying any passengers, and the crew was unharmed. The plane left the paved runway and came to rest on a dirt surface, which made recovery more difficult.

The airport immediately closed to all air traffic. This closure lasted for about 9.5 hours, from 15:21 on June 8 until 00:51 (12:51 AM) on June 9, 2025.

How Did the Airport Respond?

Standard Procedures and Emergency Response

When the incident occurred, Zagreb Airport followed strict safety procedures:

• Immediate Closure: The airport was closed to all flights to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and airport staff.
• Investigation: Authorities began a mandatory investigation to find out what caused the aircraft to skid off the runway.
• Recovery Operation: Removing the damaged aircraft was challenging. The plane was stuck on a dirt surface near the runway, so special equipment and careful planning were needed to avoid further damage.
• Coordination with Emergency Services: The Public Fire Department of Velika Gorica played a key role in the recovery and safety efforts.

Official Statement

On June 9, 2025, Zagreb Airport released an official statement confirming that the airport had reopened and that normal operations had resumed. The statement highlighted several important points:

• No emergency alert was declared during the incident.
• All standard safety procedures were followed.
• The airport used all necessary technical resources to recover the aircraft.
• External emergency services, especially the Public Fire Department of Velika Gorica, provided valuable support.
• Regular flight schedules resumed as of Monday morning.

The airport administration also apologized for the inconvenience and thanked everyone involved in the response.

Impact on Air Traffic: 59 Flights Canceled

The closure of Zagreb Airport for nearly ten hours had a big impact on air traffic and travelers:

• 59 Flights Canceled: This included 28 departures and 31 arrivals. Many passengers had to change their plans or wait for new flights.
• Thousands of Travelers Affected: People missed connections, important events, and even family gatherings.
• Airlines’ Contingency Plans: Airlines had to quickly adjust their schedules, find new routes, and help stranded passengers.

By Monday morning, the airport had fully reopened, and flights were running as usual. However, the effects of the cancellations were still being felt, with some passengers facing delays in reaching their final destinations.

Why Was the Recovery Operation So Difficult?

Recovering the aircraft was not a simple task. The Cessna 525 had come to rest on a dirt surface at the edge of the runway. This made it hard to move the plane without causing more damage. Specialized equipment was needed, and the operation took several hours.

The airport worked closely with the Public Fire Department of Velika Gorica and other emergency services to safely remove the aircraft. The goal was to clear the runway as quickly as possible while keeping everyone safe.

Background: Zagreb Airport’s Growth and Performance

Before this incident, Zagreb Airport was experiencing a period of strong growth:

• Passenger Numbers Rising: In February 2025, the airport welcomed 261,119 passengers, a 6.1% increase compared to February 2024.
• First Two Months of 2025: A total of 541,643 travelers used the airport, which is 9.5% more than the same period last year.
• Flight Movements: There were 3,295 flight movements in February 2025, up 0.4% from the previous year.
• Planned Growth: For March 2025, the airport had planned for 6.6% more flight capacity than in March 2024.

This growth shows that Zagreb Airport is becoming a more important hub for travelers in the region. The runway incident and resulting closure came at a time when the airport was handling more flights and passengers than ever before.

Previous Closures: Planned vs. Emergency

While this runway incident was unexpected, Zagreb Airport has closed before—but usually for planned maintenance:

• May 2023: The airport closed at night for a general overhaul of its runway and taxiways. These closures happened between 23:00 and 06:25 from May 2 to May 31, 2023.
• Impact on Airlines: During this maintenance, Ryanair had to cancel over fifty rotations (more than 100 flights). Other airlines also adjusted their schedules.
• Passenger Impact: The effect on travelers was bigger than during similar work in 2018 because the airport was busier.

The difference this time is that the closure was sudden and unplanned, making it harder for airlines and passengers to adjust.

Airlines and Destinations: Who Was Affected?

Zagreb Airport is a key gateway for both domestic and international travel:

• 70 Destinations: In 2025, the airport connects to 70 destinations—6 within Croatia and 64 international.
• 20 Airlines: A total of 20 airlines operate at Zagreb Airport.
• Ryanair’s Role: Ryanair has helped drive passenger growth, carrying more than 1.3 million passengers from its Zagreb base last year.
• New Routes: Ryanair started a new route to Palermo on March 30, 2025, with three flights per week.
• International Connections: South Korean airline T’way Air will connect Seoul and Zagreb three times weekly from June 10 to October 25, 2025. Canadian airline Air Transat will fly direct between Toronto and Zagreb three times weekly from mid-May to early October.

With so many airlines and destinations, the closure affected a wide range of travelers—from business people and tourists to families and students.

How Did Passengers and Airlines Cope?

Passengers:
Many travelers found themselves stuck at the airport or needing to make new plans. Some missed connecting flights, while others had to wait for hours or even overnight for the next available flight. Airlines and airport staff tried to help by providing information, rebooking flights, and offering refreshments.

Airlines:
Airlines had to quickly adjust their schedules, reroute planes, and help passengers find new flights. Some airlines offered hotel stays or meal vouchers to those affected by the delays.

Airport Staff:
Airport workers faced a tough job, dealing with frustrated passengers and working overtime to get operations back to normal.

Safety First: Why Runway Incidents Matter

Runway incidents, even when no one is hurt, are taken very seriously in aviation. The main reason is safety. When a plane leaves the runway, it can block other flights and create dangerous situations. That’s why airports close runways and stop all flights until the area is safe.

Zagreb Airport’s quick response and careful handling of the incident show how important safety is in air travel. The airport’s decision to close for nearly ten hours, even though it caused major disruptions, was made to protect everyone involved.

What Happens Next?

With the airport now open and flights back to normal, attention turns to the future:

1. Investigation: Authorities will finish their investigation into what caused the runway incident. This will help prevent similar events in the future.
2. Safety Review: The airport will look at its safety procedures to see if any changes are needed.
3. Passenger Backlog: Airlines and the airport will work to help passengers who missed flights or had their plans disrupted.
4. Growth Plans: Zagreb Airport will continue its efforts to grow and add new routes.

The airport administration has promised to keep safety as its top priority while working to minimize disruptions for travelers.

Lessons for Travelers and Airlines

For Travelers:

• Always check your flight status before heading to the airport, especially if you hear about an incident or closure.
• Be prepared for delays and have a backup plan if possible.
• Know your rights—airlines often have to provide help if your flight is canceled or delayed for a long time.

For Airlines:

• Have clear plans for handling sudden airport closures.
• Communicate quickly and clearly with passengers.
• Work closely with airport authorities to get flights back on schedule as soon as possible.

Official Resources and Further Information

Travelers and airlines can find up-to-date information about Zagreb Airport’s operations, safety procedures, and flight schedules on the official Zagreb Airport website. This site provides real-time updates, contact details, and guidance for passengers affected by disruptions.

For broader information on aviation safety and airport operations, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) offers global standards and resources.

Broader Implications: What Does This Mean for Immigration and Travel?

Incidents like the one at Zagreb Airport can have ripple effects beyond just flight schedules. For people traveling for immigration reasons—such as work, study, or family reunification—flight cancellations can mean missed visa appointments, delayed job starts, or postponed family visits.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, airport disruptions can especially impact those with tight immigration deadlines or connecting flights to other countries. Missing a single flight can lead to missed interviews, lost job opportunities, or even visa denials if travelers cannot arrive on time.

Airports, airlines, and immigration authorities often work together during such incidents to help affected travelers. For example, some immigration offices may allow rescheduling of appointments if travelers can show proof of flight cancellations due to airport closures.

Conclusion: Moving Forward After the Runway Incident

The runway incident at Zagreb Airport on June 8, 2025, and the resulting closure that canceled 59 flights serve as a reminder of the importance of safety in air travel. While the disruption caused frustration and delays for many, the airport’s careful response helped prevent injuries and ensured that operations could resume safely.

As Zagreb Airport continues to grow and add new routes, both travelers and airlines can expect the airport to keep safety as its top concern. For those affected by the incident, the focus now is on getting back on track and making sure future travel goes smoothly.

Travelers are encouraged to stay informed, plan ahead, and use official resources for the latest updates. By working together, airports, airlines, and passengers can handle even unexpected challenges and keep moving forward.

For more information on Zagreb Airport’s current operations and travel advice, visit the official Zagreb Airport website.

Learn Today

Runway → A paved surface at airports where aircraft take off and land safely.
Cessna 525 → A small private jet model involved in the runway incident at Zagreb Airport.
Flight Cancellation → The official decision to stop a scheduled flight from operating, often due to emergencies.
Recovery Operation → Specialized efforts to remove disabled aircraft from unsafe locations on airport grounds.
Contingency Plans → Alternative actions airlines implement quickly to manage unexpected travel disruptions.

This Article in a Nutshell

On June 8, 2025, Zagreb Airport closed for almost ten hours after a private jet skidded off the runway, causing a massive disruption with 59 canceled flights affecting thousands before reopening safely the next day.
— By VisaVerge.com