A 52-year-old Italian tourist suffered severe head injuries after being hit by powerful engine exhaust while plane spotting near the runway at Skiathos Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport in Greece.
The incident occurred around 1:15 p.m. local time on Monday, August 10, when a passenger jet was preparing for takeoff. The tourist was standing near the perimeter wall adjacent to Xanemos Beach—a popular viewing spot for aviation enthusiasts—when the intense blast of air knocked her off her feet, causing her to fall heavily onto the hard surface.
Emergency Response and Airlift
Following the fall, emergency medical responders were immediately dispatched to the scene. The woman was initially rushed to the Skiathos Health Center, where doctors performed a CT scan that revealed brain bleeding alongside serious head trauma.
Due to the critical nature of her injuries, medical staff determined she required specialized emergency care not available on the island. Shortly after 6:00 p.m. that evening, she was airlifted by helicopter to Volos General Hospital on the Greek mainland for further treatment.
Ongoing Safety Concerns at Skiathos Airport
Skiathos Airport is widely dubbed the “European St. Maarten” because its runway sits just yards from the sea and public roads, allowing visitors to watch aircraft land and take off from extremely close range.
- High Risk of Jet Blast: While watching incoming aircraft land overhead is generally considered less hazardous, standing directly behind departing aircraft poses severe danger. Modern jet engines produce high-velocity exhaust streams capable of throwing adults to the ground, launching debris, or causing traumatic brain injuries.
- Warning Signage Ignored: Prominent hazard signs and warning barriers are posted around the airport perimeter advising visitors to stay away from the jet blast zone. However, tourists and thrill-seekers routinely crowd the area to film social media videos and photograph low-flying planes.
- Recurring Incidents: The accident highlights persistent safety hazards at the location. Just three days after this incident, on Thursday, August 13, another Italian tourist in her 50s was caught in a jet exhaust vortex at the same spot, suffering a severe arm fracture from the impact. Local authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding both safety breaches.
