Skiathos airport jet blast trend causes tourist injuries

Tourists at Skiathos International Airport in Greece are increasingly engaging in a dangerous trend of standing near aircraft during takeoff to capture viral videos. The airport is known for having one of the shortest runways in Europe, allowing spectators to observe planes at extremely close proximity.

Recent incidents have resulted in injuries, including a 52-year-old Italian tourist who required airlift to a hospital after suffering head injuries, and another individual who sustained a fractured arm. These accidents are caused by jet blast, the high-velocity air expelled from jet engines, which can knock people over or throw them into the sea.

While the aviation service Skiathoslandings.com warns against standing behind engines, the Mayor of Skiathos, Thodoris Tzoumas, has defended the ability to observe flights from public areas. He described the proximity as a “phenomenon” rather than a danger, noting that safety signs and protocols are in place to indicate where people can safely stand.