Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tourists stunned as Wizz Air jet skims their heads on Greek beach

Video shows Airbus A321neo whizzing low over holidaymakers’ heads

Lucy Thackray
Friday 12 August 2022 08:38 BST
Comments
Related: Wizz Air passengers heading to Greece lose thousand of pounds for failing to include middle initiate on online form
Leer en Español

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tourists on a Greek beach got a shock when a low-flying Wizz Air plane zoomed above their heads shortly before landing in Skiathos.

A keen planespotter captured video of the moment the jet skimmed the group of sunbathers, flying just feet above their heads before touching down on the runway.

The runway at Skiathos Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport is very close to the beach, with locals and tourists alike pitching up to enjoy summer days nearby.

In the video, posted to YouTube by aviation account GreatFlyer on Friday (5 August), one beachgoer can be heard shouting “Holy s***,” while a man with a camera seems to duck and wince as the jet goes by.

After it passes, several people on the beach laugh nervously.

The aircraft involved was a Wizz Air-operated Airbus A321neo.

Approaches to coastal airports from the sea are common in the Mediterranean, but several aviation enthuasiasts noted that this approach seemed much lower to the ground than usual.

“The pilot aimed low and he aimed very well, impressive and dangerous!” commented Paul Morley.

“Incredible capture. That was extremely low!” said Dominica Aviation.

The jet flew shockingly low over the beach
The jet flew shockingly low over the beach (YouTube/GreatFlyer)

Others pointed out that planespotters and tourists shouldn’t be able to venture into the landing zone to watch.

“Those people aren’t supposed to stay there, inside the danger zone. Police should be there just to avoid such gatherings,” said one.

The Independent has contacted Wizz Air for comment.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in