The French division of global pilot training academy Airways Aviation was subjected to a suspected arson attack on Tuesday 20 May 2025, resulting in the complete destruction of three Diamond DA42 twin-engine trainers, as well as significant damage to other academy aircraft.
According to reports, the perpetrator(s) unlawfully gained access to a secure parking apron at Montpellier Airport in southern France where Airways Aviation France’s training fleet is kept.
Due to the breach of airport security in addition to the arson attack, the incident is being treated by the French Police as a serious crime, with a specialist team from Paris quickly dispatched to take charge of the investigation.
Image credit: Midi Libre
In a statement issued shortly after the attack, Airways Aviation said that the incident will impact its ongoing training operation but assured staff and students that the company was working hard to mitigate disruption and ensure continuity of services as much as possible.
Commenting on the incident, Romy Hawatt, founder and chairman of Airways Aviation Group, said: “This is a disturbing and unacceptable act of planned sabotage that strikes at the heart of our aviation community. While we are relieved that no one was injured, the destruction of our aircraft will have severe consequences on our operations, and it is a personal blow to our dedicated team. We are fully cooperating with authorities and will take every measure necessary to ensure the future safety and security of our people and assets.”
