RAF Fairford airbase reports accidental landing of civilian jet

A civilian VistaJet aircraft, identified as a Cessna Citation Excel/XLS, accidentally landed at the RAF Fairford military airbase on September 12, 2026. The jet departed from London City Airport at 8:49 am and arrived at the base at 9:21 am.

The 501st Combat Support Wing confirmed the accidental landing and stated that officials, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence Police, executed established protocols to ensure the safety of all personnel. Reports indicate the aircraft was held on the tarmac for approximately three hours before departing at 12:16 pm.

Following the incident, the jet flew a short four-minute trip to Cotswold Airport at Kemble before continuing its journey to Gdansk, Poland, where it landed at approximately 4:30 pm local time.