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Two pilots were killed when a Greek Air Force F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed during an air show north of Athens.

A twin-seat Phantom F4 fighter jet crashed at Tanagra Air Force Base on Saturday during the Athens Flying Week air show. The crash occurred during a low-altitude maneuver in front of thousands of spectators, resulting in an explosion and a large fire that sent plumes of black smoke into the air. Both pilots were killed in the accident, and the air force declared three days of mourning. Emergency crews responded to the site, including 115 firefighters and 36 vehicles, supported by multiple aircraft and helicopters to contain the blaze. The fire spread into the surrounding woodland and approached residential areas, prompting an evacuation order and an emergency alert for the wider area. The crash caused the cancellation of all remaining events planned for the weekend. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias cut short his schedule at the Thessaloniki International Fair to return to Athens. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his condolences to the families of the pilots, noting the daily risks faced by Greek aviators.

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