Widespread Flight Disruption at Split Airport Due to Croatia Airlines Incident

On May 16, 2026, Croatia Airlines experienced a severe incident involving Flight OU412, an Airbus A220-300, during its scheduled route from Split Airport to Frankfurt Airport. This unfortunate event resulted in significant disruptions to local and regional flight operations. The flight was forced to undergo a high-speed rejected takeoff, leading to a runway excursion at Split Airport that prompted a swift and coordinated emergency response.

Understanding the Aircraft Involved

The aircraft involved in this incident was identified as an Airbus A220-300, registered under the code 9A-CAN. This aircraft is part of Croatia Airlines’ fleet and had only been in service for less than a year following its delivery in June 2025. Renowned for its advanced flight control system and aerodynamic efficiency, the A220-300 is designed for regional international transit corridors.

At the time of the incident, there were 135 individuals on board, which included 130 passengers and a crew of 5 members. The flight crew comprised two pilots and three cabin attendants, all dedicated to ensuring the safety and comfort of the passengers.

Incident Overview: Flight and Takeoff Details

The incident began around 1:30 PM local time as the Airbus A220-300 was preparing for takeoff on Runway 23. Despite optimal weather conditions, an unidentified anomaly during the takeoff roll at approximately 131 knots forced the crew to execute a rejected takeoff.

As the flight deck has trained for such scenarios, the pilots initiated a maximum emergency deceleration. However, during this high-speed braking phase, the aircraft inadvertently veered away from the runway’s centerline, partially leaving the paved area and coming to a stop on the grassy perimeter of the safety zone.

Consequences of the Incident

Due to the aircraft’s lateral excursion, it contacted fixed objects along the perimeter of the runway, resulting in physical damage to both the aircraft and local infrastructure. Emergency protocols were promptly activated, ensuring that all passengers and crew exited the aircraft safely without any reported injuries.

The airframe suffered damage, particularly to the fuselage and wings, after colliding with a runway marker and several edge lights. Following the incident, Split Airport management issued a temporary suspension of all air traffic, leading to widespread flight disruptions across Europe.

Immediate Response Measures and Significance

Post-incident, air traffic control enforced a complete halt on all arrivals and departures at Split Airport, which created a ripple effect across the regional aviation network. Alternative landing solutions for incoming flights had to be arranged, resulting in numerous cancellations and delays for travelers.

Ground operations teams swiftly deployed equipment to recover the aircraft safely while thorough evaluations of the runway’s operational integrity were conducted. The significant disruption of flight services at Split Airport underscores the fragility of air traffic systems and the potential ripple effects stemming from single-incident emergencies.

Investigation and Future Aviation Safety

The Croatian Civil Aviation Agency and the Air, Maritime and Railway Accident Investigation Agency have taken charge of the investigation. They aim to analyze technical data, including flight data and cockpit voice recordings, to pinpoint the causes of the runway excursion. The insights gathered from the incident aim to inform future safety protocols and prevent similar occurrences.

This event serves as a reminder of the critical importance of emergency preparedness and the stringent safety measures that ensure passenger security in the aviation industry. As investigations proceed, ongoing monitoring and evaluation of safety directives will support the continuous improvement of operational standards worldwide.

Image: Croatia Airlines

Source: The post Croatia Airlines Flight OU412 of Airbus A220-300 traveling from Split Airport, Croatia to Frankfurt Airport, Germany triggers widespread commercial flight disruption: New update you need to know first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.

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