Passengers aboard a Sunclass Airlines Airbus A321-200 were forced to endure a bumpy arrival while landing at a Greek airport famed for its legendary short runway.
Sunseekers from Stockholm in Sweden were flying on the Sunclass Airbus A321 to Skiathos International Airport (JSI) on September 15, 2024, when wind shears appeared to affect the aircraft’s approach.
Despite efforts by the Sunclass pilot to control the Airbus in challenging cross winds, the aircraft landed hard causing the plane to bounce several times and sway from side to side.
Thankfully, the pilot eventually managed to wrestle control of the aircraft, and the passengers were safely disembarked from the plane a few minutes later.
Unfortunately, the Airbus A321 did not escape the incident quite so easily and according to the Aviation Herald the aircraft requires replacement landing gear.
Since the incident in September 2024, the passenger jet has remained at Skiathos Airport hampering Sunclass’ operational plans.
The landing was captured by Skiathos Landings which films some of the Greek island’s spectacular approaches and landings.
In the YouTube video the Sunclass Airbus A321 can be seen during its approach before the hard landing. There’s even slow-motion footage if you miss it the first time.
The Skiathos Airport runway is famed for its short runway and proximity next to a public road and beach.
Thrill seekers and plane enthusiasts often visit the area so they can experience huge aircraft coming into land only meters above their head.
Airbus A321NEO de Wizzair aterrizando en Skiathos, Grecia haciendo cortes de cabello gratis a los turistas en el borde de pista.
— PegasusA4 (@A4Kike) October 2, 2024
📹 jas.aviation pic.twitter.com/BrwMrXSlHz
Sunclass Airlines is a charter carrier based in Denmark and was previous known as Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia.
According to ch-aviation, Sunclass’ current active fleet includes six Airbus A321-200s, two A330neos, two A321neos and one A330-300.