A Polish LOT flight skidded off the runway in Vilnius on Wednesday, forcing a temporary closure of the airport as authorities investigate the cause.
Incident Details
A LOT aircraft departing from Warsaw slid from the runway shortly after landing at Vilnius Airport on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 26. The skidding occurred after the aircraft crossed the threshold, during a period of heavy snow falling in the city.
Investigators Awaiting Findings
Lithuanian Airports Director Simonas Bartkus told reporters that it is too early to draw conclusions about the incident’s causes. He said that all other information is likely speculation until the investigation is concluded.
Weather Not Yet Determined as Cause
Lithuanian Transport Minister Juras Taminskas stated that the weather conditions were not quite enough to indicate that they caused the aircraft to slide. He added that the investigation will clarify this point.
Public Safety Advisory Amid Snow
Members of the Lithuanian meteorological service warned residents to postpone non‑essential travel until Thursday evening and to avoid high and old trees, citing risk of power line damage where branches laden with wet snow might break.
No Injuries Reported
The aircraft carried 63 passengers and four crew members, all of whom escaped the incident without injuries.
Emergency Meeting Convened
Following the incident, an emergency committee of Lithuanian Airports met with officials, including the Vilnius port authority, to discuss the situation and subsequent actions.
