A Wizz Air Malta Airbus A320-200 experienced a ground incident after landing at Sibiu International Airport on Jan 13th, 2026, when snowy conditions caused the aircraft to slip off the runway edge during a low-speed maneuver.
The aircraft, registered 9H-WZR and operating flight W4-3830 from Milan Bergamo, Italy to Sibiu, Romania, had touched down safely on runway 27 and completed its rollout without issue. However, while attempting to turn around in order to backtrack the runway toward the apron, the aircraft veered beyond the southern edge of the runway, well short of the designated turnpad, and became temporarily disabled.
Airport ground crews quickly responded and assisted in stabilizing the aircraft. After approximately 40 minutes, the A320 was able to taxi under guidance to the apron, allowing normal airport operations to resume. No injuries were reported, and passengers disembarked in accordance with standard procedures.
Sibiu Airport later confirmed that the incident occurred during heavy snowfall, noting that while the runway had been cleared and declared operational at the time of landing, reduced friction played a role in the aircraft’s difficulty during the turning maneuver. Ground teams assisted in clearing the aircraft from the runway and guiding it safely along the taxiways.
The aircraft was inspected and returned to service about two and a half hours after landing. In a statement issued on Jan 19th, 2026, Wizz Air said the event took place at low speed and ended without further consequences, emphasizing that safety procedures were followed throughout and that airport traffic continued to be handled as scheduled.
The incident highlights the operational challenges winter weather can pose even after a safe landing, underscoring the importance of coordination between flight crews and ground teams in adverse conditions.
