Inventor’s cross-Channel air scooter flight halted midway due to technical glitch

The daring English Channel crossing ended in a splash near the iconic cliffs of Dover

Last updated: July 26, 2025 | 20:20

Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor

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Inventor’s cross-Channel air scooter flight halted midway due to technical glitch

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An ambitious attempt to fly a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) air scooter from France to England was cut short on Friday after a technical malfunction forced an emergency water landing near the cliffs of Dover.

French inventor Franky Zapata, who piloted the single-seat aircraft, had launched successfully from the French coast with hopes of showcasing the viability of his latest flying machine.

The flight was intended to serve as a proof of concept for the futuristic vehicle’s long-range capabilities.

However, partway through the journey, Zapata encountered a technical issue that left him with no choice but to land safely on the water.

Despite the setback, the successful take-off and controlled landing mark another milestone in Zapata’s ongoing development of personal aerial mobility technology.

Balaram MenonSenior Web Editor

Balaram brings more than two decades of experience in the media industry, combining sharp editorial judgment with a deep understanding of digital news dynamics. Since 2004, he has been a core member of the gulfnews.com digital team, playing a key role in shaping its identity. Passionate about current affairs, politics, cricket, entertainment, and viral content, Balaram thrives on stories that spark conversation. His strength lies in adapting to the fast-changing news landscape and curating compelling content that resonates with readers.