A Greek Air Force F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed on Saturday during an aerial display at Tanagra Air Base, north of Athens, as part of the annual Athens Flying Week.

The two-seat aircraft crashed while performing a low-altitude manoeuvre in front of thousands of spectators, sending a large column of black smoke into the sky and triggering a fire at the crash site. 

The condition of the two pilots was initially unknown, with a search-and-rescue operation launched immediately after the crash. Emergency crews, including firefighters, helicopters and aircraft, were deployed to contain the resulting blaze. Authorities said there were no immediate reports of injuries among spectators. 

The circumstances that led to the aircraft losing altitude and crashing have not yet been established. The airshow was suspended and the area was evacuated following the incident. 

Greece’s Defence Minister, Nikos Dendias, also cut short his programme at the Thessaloniki International Fair and travelled to the scene of the accident.

The crash occurred at the Tanagra Air Base during the September 5–6, 2026 Athens Flying Week.

Local reports said the two pilots were found unconscious after the crash, although official details were still developing at the time of reporting.