What happened
On 20 June 2024, at approximately 17:08 local time, an Airbus A320-214, registered as HB-JXF, was cleared for takeoff from runway 35 at Prishtina International Airport (BKPR) in Kosovo. During the takeoff roll, an airport-owned vehicle was positioned on the active runway near the threshold of runway 17, located at the eastern end of the strip. The aircraft successfully achieved lift-off and passed over the vehicle at a safe altitude. The flight crew reported that the aircraft's landing gear remained extended as it flew over the car.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the presence of the vehicle on the active runway during the departure of the commercial flight. The inquiry established that the aircraft, operated by EasyJet Switzerland SA, was performing a scheduled commercial flight from Pristina to Geneva. While the aircraft cleared the obstacle without impact, the incident involved a significant breach of runway safety protocols. The Aeronautical Accident and Incident Investigations Commission of the Republic of Kosovo has initiated its own investigation into the matter.