Story perspectives

Kraków Airport Grounded After Boeing Skids Off Runway

9/15/2025

Summary

Story summary

On September 14, 2025, Kraków John Paul II International Airport halted operations after an AirExplore Boeing 737-800 skidded off runway 25 during landing from Antalya, Turkey, around 2:00 p.m. local time amid heavy rain.
Approximately 190 passengers and crew were on board, but no injuries occurred, and all were safely evacuated.
The aircraft, registered OM-FEX, became stuck in a grassy area, blocking the runway and triggering emergency protocols.
Local firefighters and specialized units conducted recovery operations, with flight suspensions expected to last 2–6 hours.
Investigations are ongoing to assess the incident's cause, focusing on weather and runway conditions.

History

Historical Context

The 1982 crash of Air Florida Flight 90, exacerbated by severe weather, prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to enforce stricter safety protocols for airlines, particularly in pilot training for adverse conditions. Recent incidents, such as the skidding of an AirExplore Boeing 737-800 in 2024, underscore ongoing concerns about runway safety and the critical need for continuous improvements in aviation safety measures.

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Story summary

On September 14, 2025, Kraków John Paul II International Airport halted operations after an AirExplore Boeing 737-800 skidded off runway 25 during landing from Antalya, Turkey, around 2:00 p.m. local time amid heavy rain.
Approximately 190 passengers and crew were on board, but no injuries occurred, and all were safely evacuated.
The aircraft, registered OM-FEX, became stuck in a grassy area, blocking the runway and triggering emergency protocols.
Local firefighters and specialized units conducted recovery operations, with flight suspensions expected to last 2–6 hours.
Investigations are ongoing to assess the incident's cause, focusing on weather and runway conditions.

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