Picture Credits: Airways Aviation
Montpellier, France: In a shocking act of sabotage, a suspected arson attack early Tuesday morning severely impacted the aircraft fleet of Airways Aviation France | ESMA, located at Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport. The attack resulted in the complete destruction of three Diamond DA42 aircraft, with further damage to several others.
According to an official press release from the institution, the perpetrators unlawfully breached a secured apron area inside the airport premises and deliberately set fire to multiple training aircraft. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
French police quickly responded, sealing off the affected zone and launching a full-scale criminal investigation. Authorities are analyzing CCTV footage and other evidence, while a specialist investigation unit from Paris has been dispatched to assist in tracking down those responsible.
“This is a disturbing and unacceptable act of planned sabotage that strikes at the heart of our aviation community,” said Romy Hawatt, Founder and Chairman of Airways Aviation Group. “We are fully cooperating with authorities and will take every measure necessary to ensure the future safety and security of our people and assets.”
The attack is being treated as a serious breach of airport security and is classified as a criminal offence under French law. Investigators are treating the matter with utmost priority given its implications for public safety and national security within the aviation sector.
While ground training continues as normal, the damage is expected to disrupt ongoing flight training operations. The management team, with full support from Airways Aviation Group’s Board of Directors, is currently working to assess damage, minimize disruption, and re-establish flight operations as soon as possible
Similar Incidents
This incident is not isolated. In March 2025, three trainee pilots for Dutch flag carrier KLM were arrested on suspicion of arson at the airline’s flight academy. The fire, started on the balcony of their shared accommodation at Eelde Airport, forced a Transavia flight to enter a holding pattern due to the unavailability of fire services.
In April 2023, a suspected arson attack at Davidstow Flying Club in Cornwall, UK, destroyed nine aircraft inside a hangar. The damage was estimated at around £300,000. This was the second such incident at the airfield in as many years.
