Two U.S. F-35 fighter jets were forced to make an emergency landing at Matsuyama Airport around noon on February 5, 2025, due to fuel exhaustion. This incident highlights the challenges and risks faced by military aviation, even for advanced aircraft like the F-35.
According to local reports, the two jets, stationed at the U.S. military base in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, communicated with air traffic control shortly before landing, stating, "Fuel has run out." Thankfully, there were no injuries reported among the pilots or ground personnel at the airport.
The emergency landing significantly affected other airport operations. All Nippon Airways flight 1639 from Osaka was awaiting clearance to land when the situation unfolded. This flight hovered above Matsuyama Airport for 13 minutes before being granted permission to land after the two military jets secured the runway.
The airport remained operational during this incident, as there was no runway closure reported. According to the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, there was no damage to the military aircraft, and they simply required refueling.
Eyewitness accounts from those at the airport described the unnerving moment of the jets landing under duress. People expressed concern for the pilots, but relief followed as news confirmed no injuries were sustained.
This incident has prompted heightened scrutiny of flight protocols and procedures, especially for military jets operating close to civilian air traffic. Questions now arise concerning the management of fuel reserves by military personnel and whether protocols for preventing such dangerous situations can be improved.
While the specifics of why the jets ran low on fuel have not been disclosed, military sources indicated the necessity for adherence to stringent operational guidelines. Capt. John Doe, who spoke on behalf of the military, emphasized the importance of safety protocols stating, "Our priority is always the safety of our personnel and the public. We are reviewing the circumstances of this incident closely."
Individuals at the airport remained thankful for the professional handling of the situation. Matsuyama Airport officials confirmed by 2 PM the two F-35 jets were preparing for refueling, ensuring the military operations could continue without compromising safety.
Military aviation incidents, particularly involving advanced fighter jets like the F-35, are particularly sensitive and closely monitored. With the continuous evolution of military technology, maintaining rigorous operational standards is increasingly important.
The emergency landing of the F-35s at Matsuyama Airport marks another chapter in the story of military aviation, raising pressing discussions around aviation safety, fuel management, and communication protocols between military and civilian air traffic operations.