Fighter Jet Crashes: Warsaw-Radom Airport Shuts After Fatal F-16 Incident
A tragedy struck Poland last night when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during rehearsals at Warsaw-Radom Airport, leading to the airport’s immediate closure and major disruption to flights.
The incident, confirmed by Polish officials, occurred during training for the highly anticipated Radom Air Show. Authorities have announced the closure of the airport until Saturday, with all scheduled services diverted to Warsaw Chopin Airport.
National carrier LOT Airlines confirmed that every service from Radom has now been shifted to Warsaw. Passengers booked for Friday flights will depart and land at Chopin Airport instead. A statement added that dedicated ground transport would be available.
Just before midnight, LOT spokesperson Krzysztof Moczulski told state news agency PAP: “Tomorrow’s LOT Polish Airlines flights to and from Radom will depart from Warsaw Chopin Airport.
Our call center is in contact with passengers, we will provide transportation to and from the airport for all passengers. We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones and thank them for understanding this exceptional situation.”
Earlier in the evening, a message posted on the airport’s official site read: “Warsaw-Radom Airport remains closed. For detailed information about specific flights, please contact the carriers.”
The fighter jet crash claimed the life of Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian, a respected figure in Poland’s air force.
#BREAKING Watch horrifying footage as a F-16 fighter jet crashes bursting in flames training for a upcoming Air Show ⁰⁰#Sadków | #Poland⁰
Watch Horrifying footage has emerged showing the tragic crash of a Polish F-16 Tiger Demo jet during rehearsals for the Radom Air Show… pic.twitter.com/mdT3aY6Tjx— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) August 28, 2025
He was the leader of the renowned Tiger Demo Team and had recently been awarded the coveted “As the Crow Flies Trophy” at the Royal International Air Tattoo in the UK earlier this summer.
Special Services Coordinator Tomasz Siemoniak confirmed the devastating news, stating that the pilot did not survive the crash.
According to reports on the Polish F-16 crash, the air show in Radom has now been cancelled as the country mourns the death of the decorated pilot.
The F-16 accident has cast a sombre shadow over Warsaw-Radom Airport, which had been preparing to welcome thousands of spectators to one of Europe’s premier aviation events.
Instead, the city is mourning the loss of a national hero and dealing with the fallout of a sudden airport shutdown.
Air safety investigators are now on site, working to establish the cause of the fatal crash.
