Breaking: Budapest Airport runway closed due to stranded aircraft – UPDATED with airport statement

An Aegean Airlines flight from Athens to Budapest caused a temporary runway closure at Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest Airport) on Thursday afternoon. The Airbus A320-200 came to a stop on runway 13R after landing, requiring towing assistance to clear the area. Foggy and humid weather conditions added to the operational challenges during the incident.

According to AIRportal.hu, an Aegean Airlines flight from Athens to Budapest faced an unexpected complication upon landing at Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest Airport) on Thursday afternoon. The Airbus A320-200 landed on runway 13R around 2:15 PM but was unable to clear the safety zone.

The aircraft came to a halt near the southeastern end of the runway while attempting to turn onto taxiway A2. Pilots quickly notified air traffic control, reporting that the plane could not continue without towing assistance.

This prompted the temporary closure of the runway until the Airbus was removed. The towing process was completed shortly after 3 PM, allowing normal operations to resume.

Foggy, humid weather with light drizzle added to the challenges at the airport during the incident.

UPDATE – Budapest Airport statement

Please read Budapest Airport’s statement below, which we’re publishing without changes:

“Aegean Airlines flight A3 876 (call sign AEE8YD) from Athens to Budapest detected a brake failure during taxiing after landing and stopped at the junction of runway I and the taxiway due to following a non-optimal taxi path. The competent airport services responded to the scene, inspected the landing gear and the runway, and then towed the aircraft to a stand. No injuries were reported and the aircraft will be inspected after the passengers have been disembarked.

Runway I was closed during the towing, and reopened at 15:10. The airline will send a relief flight for the passengers travelling to Athens at 17:40. For further information, please contact the responsible airline.

At the time of the incident, runway II and traffic at the airport were operating smoothly and there were no delays.”

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