Full Breakdown
LOT Polish Airlines Flight Skids Off Runway at Vilnius Airport
11/27/2025, 10:19:08 AM
Incident Overview
On November 26, 2025, a LOT Polish Airlines flight (LO771) operated by an Embraer E170 aircraft slid off the runway while taxiing at Vilnius Airport (VNO) in Lithuania. The incident occurred at approximately 1:34 PM local time after the aircraft, arriving from Warsaw, landed safely. All 63 passengers and four crew members were evacuated without any reported injuries.
Timeline of Events
- 12:01 PM: Flight LO771 departs from Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW).
- 1:42 PM: The aircraft lands at Vilnius Airport.
- 1:43 PM: The aircraft veers off the runway while taxiing.
- 5:00 PM: The runway is temporarily closed for operations.
- 7:00 PM: The closure is extended due to ongoing conditions.
Weather Conditions
The incident coincided with adverse weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and mist, which began early on November 26. The temperature was reported at 0°C (32°F), and visibility was significantly reduced. While the airport has not confirmed the exact cause of the aircraft veering off the runway, the prevailing weather conditions are believed to have played a role.
Official Statements & Responses
Vilnius Airport confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that the runway was temporarily closed to ensure safety and facilitate emergency response. The airport indicated that flights were being redirected to other airports during the closure. LOT Polish Airlines also acknowledged the incident, emphasizing that all passengers were safely disembarked.
Criticism & Opposition
While there have been no formal criticisms reported regarding the incident, concerns about the impact of weather conditions on flight safety have been raised by aviation experts. The lack of immediate clarity on the cause of the aircraft veering off the runway has led to discussions about the adequacy of response protocols during adverse weather.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At 13:43 today, a LOT Polish Airlines aircraft arriving from Warsaw, conducting flight LO771, landed at Vilnius Airport and veered off the runway while taxiing to the stand.” — Vilnius Airport Statement
- “The latest weather forecast available to the crew of LOT flight #LO771 indicated presence of snow and mist, a temperature of 0°C/32°F and sporadic heavy snowfall, with visibility…” — Flightradar24 Report
What's Next
Following the incident, investigations may be conducted to assess the factors contributing to the aircraft's runway excursion. Additionally, LOT Polish Airlines and Vilnius Airport may review their operational protocols to enhance safety measures during adverse weather conditions.
