Increasing safety concerns at Skiathos airport due to dangerous jet blast tourism

Tourists at Skiathos airport are increasingly endangering themselves by standing directly behind departing aircraft to experience the powerful jet blast. Despite the presence of warning signs, visitors frequently gather at the airport fence to film takeoffs, risking severe injury from the high-velocity exhaust and debris thrown by engines.

The situation has reached a critical point following two separate incidents involving Italian tourists within three days. On August 10, a 52-year-old woman was blown over by the engine blast, sustaining serious head injuries that required her emergency air evacuation to Volos. A second incident occurred on August 13, involving another woman, approximately 50 years old, who was injured at the same location. These events add to a growing list of casualties caused by this risky practice at one of Europe's most unique aviation landmarks.

Local authorities and the mayor have expressed concerns about the behavior, noting that visitors are aware of the risks yet continue to treat the runway perimeter as a viewing attraction. While warning signs are in place, the persistent nature of this trend continues to challenge safety protocols at the facility.