Croatian police have arrested a 36-year-old Hungarian man on suspicion of causing major disruption at Split Airport by allegedly flying a drone without authorisation near the runway.

Air traffic suspended over safety concerns

The incident, which took place on Friday evening, temporarily brought air traffic at Split’s Saint Jerome Airport to a standstill, resulting in cancelled flights and significant delays for several others.

According to Croatian media reports, the suspected unauthorised drone flight near the airport’s runway forced airport authorities to suspend all flight operations while the potential threat to air safety was assessed.

Police launch criminal proceedings against Hungarian man

The temporary closure led to the cancellation of two flights, while several others experienced lengthy delays before services could resume.

Officers from the Split-Dalmatia Police Administration quickly launched an investigation against the Hungarian man after receiving reports on Friday, 31 July, that the safety of the airspace had been compromised.

Budapest Airport unveils huge expansion plans

Budapest Airport has launched one of the largest planning tenders in its history, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive, long-term redevelopment of Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport.

The ambitious programme includes a brand-new terminal, additional passenger piers, a railway station, new roads, parking facilities and extensive upgrades across the airport’s infrastructure.

According to procurement documents published in the European Union’s TED public procurement database and shared by Magyar Építők, the airport operator is seeking to conclude framework agreements with several design firms for a period of 96 months.

The tender is intended to prepare a comprehensive development programme rather than a single construction project.