An Air Serbia flight traveling from Belgrade to Düsseldorf narrowly escaped disaster on February 18th after veering off course during takeoff and colliding with runway lights.
The Embraer E195 aircraft, carrying 106 passengers, sustained significant damage but managed to return safely to Belgrade, where all passengers were evacuated without major injuries.
The incident, designated JU324, unfolded shortly after takeoff when the aircraft deviated from its intended path and struck several runway lights. Despite the damage, the pilots skillfully maneuvered the plane back to Belgrade, where emergency crews were waiting.
This outcome serves as a testament to the professionalism and quick thinking of the Air Serbia crew.
In the aftermath, Air Serbia has taken decisive action to prioritize passenger safety.
The airline has terminated its wet-lease agreement with Marathon Airlines, which provided the Embraer E195 involved in the incident. This decision reflects Air Serbia’s commitment to upholding the highest safety standards and underlines its intolerance for operational irregularities.
“The safety of our passengers is our top priority,” stated an Air Serbia spokesperson. “We are taking this incident very seriously and have launched a thorough investigation in collaboration with the relevant authorities.”
Furthermore, Air Serbia has offered affected passengers compensation and support.
The airline has assured that flights previously operated by Marathon Airlines will be covered by other aircraft in its fleet, ensuring service continuity without compromising on safety or comfort.
While Marathon Airlines has not yet publicly commented on the termination of the lease agreement, this incident underscores the critical importance of safety in the aviation industry.
It serves as a reminder that constant vigilance and unwavering commitment are necessary from all stakeholders involved.
Looking ahead, Air Serbia remains committed to providing safe and reliable air travel to its passengers.
The airline has emphasized its dedication to upholding the highest safety standards and has implemented measures to further strengthen its operational procedures.