Every summer, dozens of tourists and residents of Skiathos gather at Xanemos Beach, next to the island’s airport, to watch planes land and take off from extremely close range.
The practice, known as “plane spotting,” has become a popular attraction, with some visitors moving as close as possible to the runway to capture dramatic photographs and videos of aircraft.
However, authorities on Skiathos repeatedly warn about the serious risks of standing so close to aircraft. Injuries have been reported over the years because of the powerful airflow generated by airplane engines.
Despite the known dangers, some people continue to take the risk for a photograph or video, gathering on the beach beside the runway and waiting for the next aircraft to land or take off.
Personal belongings swept into the sea
Video published by the Daily Mail shows tourists engaged in plane spotting on Skiathos while standing just a short distance from aircraft.
The footage shows personal belongings being swept into the sea as an airplane prepares to take off.
The phenomenon known as jet blast is the powerful airflow produced by an aircraft’s engines. The force can sweep up people and objects and propel them, in some cases, into the sea.
