On December 28, 2024, a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 737-800, operating flight KL1204, veered off runway 18 at Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport during an emergency landing. The incident involved a 24.2-year-old aircraft registered as PH-BXM. While the aircraft successfully touched down, it lost control during the landing roll and skidded into grass terrain near the taxiway. Thankfully, no injuries were reported among the 182 passengers and crew members onboard.

The flight had initially departed from Oslo Airport but was diverted to Torp Sandefjord due to unspecified circumstances. Investigations are ongoing to determine the reasons for the diversion and the runway excursion. This particular Boeing 737-800 model is widely used in commercial aviation and has a long-standing safety record. However, the age of the aircraft has drawn attention as a potential factor for investigators to consider.

Similar runway excursions have occurred in recent months, highlighting the challenges faced by airlines and airport authorities. For example, on November 19, 2024, an Amazon Prime CargoJet overran the north runway at Vancouver International Airport. The aircraft became lodged in muddy terrain, causing operational disruptions until specialized equipment was brought in for its removal. Similarly, on July 11, 2024, a Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A321neo overshot the runway at Kahului Airport in Maui due to brake issues, prompting temporary runway closures but no injuries.

These incidents underscore the importance of robust runway safety protocols and meticulous aircraft maintenance. Factors such as adverse weather, technical malfunctions, and operational decisions are critical areas of focus for investigations. The frequency of such events serves as a reminder for airlines to invest in advanced safety technologies and conduct regular pilot training to mitigate risks during landings and emergency situations.

As investigations into the KLM incident at Oslo Torp continue, aviation authorities aim to uncover the root causes and implement necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences. While the industry maintains a strong safety record overall, these events highlight areas for improvement in operational readiness and incident response. Passengers’ safety remains the highest priority, ensuring that lessons learned from such incidents contribute to the continued advancement of aviation standards.