diff --git a/src/models/FieldLayoutTab.php b/src/models/FieldLayoutTab.php
index d9d8a90a200..d6d900e8e17 100644
--- a/src/models/FieldLayoutTab.php
+++ b/src/models/FieldLayoutTab.php
@@ -281,6 +281,12 @@ public function setElements(array $elements): void
             if (is_array($layoutElement)) {
                 try {
                     $layoutElement = $fieldsService->createLayoutElement($layoutElement);
+                    if ($layoutElement instanceof CustomField) {
+                        // check if the underlying field exists
+                        // if not, it should be caught by FieldNotFoundException
+                        // and not added to the tab's elements
+                        $field = $layoutElement->getField();
+                    }
                 } catch (FieldNotFoundException) {
                     // Skip quietly
                     continue;