The runway at Zakynthos Airport will remain closed at least until 19:00 on Thursday local time after a Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jet made an emergency landing following a report of a fire on board, Kathimerini reports.

The incident caused flight delays and cancellations, disrupting the plans of hundreds of tourists.

The pilot was not injured and was transported by military helicopter to the 117th Air Base in Andravida in western Greece for a precautionary medical examination.

A special Air Force team is expected to arrive on the island to handle the evacuation of the damaged aircraft and clear the runway.

The F-16 fighter jet, operated by the 335th Squadron of the 116th Combat Wing, was carrying out a training flight after taking off from Araxos Air Base before the emergency situation occurred.

According to preliminary information, the cause of the incident may have been a landing gear malfunction, although the circumstances of the emergency landing are still under investigation.