Travel Nightmare at Vilnius Airport: You Won’t Believe What Happened as LOT Polish Airlines Flight Slides Off Taxiway, Triggering Emergency Crews and Massive Delays!

Published on November 26, 2025

A major disruption at Vilnius Čiurlionis Airport in Lithuania has left thousands of travellers facing delays, as a LOT Polish Airlines jet slid off the taxiway after landing, forcing airport authorities to close the runway. The incident took place Thursday, raising safety concerns and causing serious ripple effects in air traffic.

Flight LO771, arriving from Warsaw, veered off the paved taxiway while attempting to reach its designated stand, bringing normal operations to a halt. This unexpected slide-off has led to temporary runway closure and major disruptions to flights at the airport, with authorities predicting delays lasting several hours.

What Happened: A Close Call at Vilnius Airport

The Embraer E170STD aircraft, operated by LOT Polish Airlines, safely landed at Vilnius at 13:43 local time on Thursday. However, while taxiing toward its parking area, the plane suddenly slid off the taxiway. The aircraft came to a stop on the northern side of the airport, sparking immediate concerns about the safety of passengers and crew onboard.

The response was swift, with fire engines and emergency vehicles surrounding the aircraft. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and passengers were safely disembarked from the plane. The nature of the slide-off, however, remains under investigation.

Vilnius Airport Closes Runway: What Travelers Need to Know

In response to the unexpected incident, Vilnius Airport was forced to temporarily close the runway to handle the situation. Airport officials confirmed the closure, which was set to last until at least 17:00 local time. The temporary closure has caused widespread travel disruption, with incoming and outgoing flights expected to be delayed or diverted.

Travelers are advised to keep updated with real-time flight information and to expect significant delays in the coming hours as ground crews work to clear the aircraft and ensure the runway is safe for reopening.

Why This Matters: Safety and Flight Delays Are the Key Concerns

Though no injuries have been reported, the incident raises important questions about the state of the airport’s infrastructure and the safety of flights operating in and out of Vilnius Airport. The taxiway slide-off highlights potential vulnerabilities in ground handling procedures, and calls for an immediate safety assessment of the runway and surrounding infrastructure.

Travelers heading to Vilnius in the coming days should be aware that the airport’s operations could remain affected by the ripple effects of this disruption. Expect to see a spike in flight cancellations, delays, and diversions as the airport works to resolve the situation.

Impact on Travelers: Prepare for Delays and Disruptions

The impact of the runway closure is being felt across the entire airport. Passengers who were scheduled to fly from Vilnius Airport on Thursday should be prepared for delays or cancellations, and should plan for longer wait times as airlines try to adjust their schedules.

As ground operations return to normal, flight rotations may also be affected, with potential knock-on delays expected throughout the day. Travelers are strongly advised to check their flight status with their airline and consider alternative travel routes if possible.

What’s Next: Updates and Investigations Underway

The authorities at Vilnius Airport are currently investigating the cause of the slide-off incident. While there has been no official determination yet, possible factors include weather conditions, taxiway surface issues, or mechanical malfunctions.

The closure of the runway, though temporary, may also highlight long-term challenges at the airport regarding its preparedness for unforeseen incidents. Authorities are likely to introduce enhanced safety checks on runways and taxiways to prevent future disruptions.

Travelers Urged to Stay Updated on Vilnius Airport Operations

For those planning to travel to or from Vilnius in the near future, it is critical to stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates on flight schedules. Monitor your airline’s official website or contact the customer service department for the latest travel information.

If you are scheduled to fly in or out of Vilnius today, expect possible disruptions in your travel itinerary. Give yourself extra time at the airport, and make sure to check for any flight status changes. The airport advises passengers to stay flexible with their plans until operations resume at full capacity.

This ongoing situation remains under review, and we will continue to monitor the developments closely. Passengers should expect more updates from Vilnius Airport and LOT Polish Airlines as investigations progress.