An incident occurred at Split airport in Croatia on 16/5, involving an Airbus A220-300 aircraft from Croatia Airlines during its takeoff roll. Footage from the scene shows the A220 deploying its speed brakes and activating the engine thrust reverser system to slow down, before skidding across the runway and veering onto the adjacent grass.

Exhaust gases from the engines caused water on the runway surface to evaporate, partially enveloping the aircraft. The A220 then struck lights and signs on the grass before coming to a complete stop.

The aircraft skids off the runway during takeoff at Split airport, Croatia on 16/5. Video: News18

At the time of the incident, there were 130 passengers and five crew members on board. All were safely evacuated with no injuries. Split airport temporarily ceased operations to allow rescue teams to move the aircraft to a technical area and inspect the runway.

Local officials reported the aircraft sustained damage, though the cause of the incident has not yet been released. Croatia Airlines stated the pilot aborted takeoff according to standard procedures; preliminary reports indicate the aircraft was traveling at high speed before the pilot engaged emergency braking.

This Airbus A220-300 joined Croatia Airlines in 6/2025 as part of the airline's fleet modernization program.

Pilots are authorized to abort takeoff and stop an aircraft on the runway if they suspect a malfunction, receive a warning, or have safety concerns. This procedure is only performed below a specific speed threshold, which varies depending on takeoff weight and airport conditions. If the aircraft exceeds the safe braking speed, the crew must proceed with takeoff and attempt an emergency landing afterward.

The Airbus A220 is an aircraft series that has been manufactured since 2012, with 506 units delivered to date. The A220-300 variant offers a maximum of 160 seats, a cruise speed of 820-900 km/h, a service ceiling of 12,500 m, and a range of 6,300 km.

By Nguyen Tien (Sources: News18, AFP, AP)