A serious security incident occurred at Pula Airport late last month after a man gained unauthorised access to the restricted airside area by climbing over the perimeter fence. The intruder then broke into one of the airport’s official vehicles and drove around the airport’s runway and taxiway system before crashing into a bird deterrent device. He subsequently left the area on foot. The incident took place during the night between December 21 and 22 but was only discovered the following day after airport staff noticed damage to the vehicle. A review of CCTV footage later revealed the man had initially been walking around the airport grounds before taking the vehicle and driving it across airside areas for some time.

The case was reported to the police only after security footage was analysed. Authorities identified and apprehended the perpetrator the next day, establishing that the man is mentally ill. He was later taken to hospital due to his condition, and after being released was arrested and handed over to the police detention unit with a criminal complaint.

Asked for further clarification, the police said that access control and security measures inside airport restricted zones are not under its jurisdiction, stressing that these responsibilities fall under the airport operator. It added that, based on information available, the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency had been notified of the incident by the operator, as required. Pula Airport has yet to comment publicly on the event.