10/07/2026 15:41 - Internacionales
July 10, 2026 - A flight operated by the low-cost airline Ryanair became a nightmare for its passengers this Friday. The aircraft, identified as flight FR1879, had departed from Thessaloniki, Greece, bound for Memmingen Airport in Germany. Minutes after takeoff, a loud bang disrupted the journey: an engine part detached and struck one of the windows, causing it to shatter completely.
Commercial airplanes pressurize their cabins to simulate the atmospheric pressure of a lower altitude, allowing passengers to breathe normally. If a window or the fuselage breaks, the pressure difference expels air outward with great force, creating a suction effect that can drag objects or people near the opening out of the plane.
The situation became critical almost immediately. As a result of the rapid decompression, a 60-year-old Serbian passenger, who was traveling right next to the damaged window, was partially sucked out of the aircraft. According to witnesses, the man was left with part of his body outside the plane. It was at that moment that his wife reacted quickly, grabbing him by the legs along with the help of other passengers, managing to hold him and preventing a fatal tragedy.
The incident sparked panic inside the cabin. Oxygen masks automatically dropped from the overhead compartments, while screams multiplied and the crew tried to keep calm. Given the severity of the situation, the pilot acted with serenity and decided to urgently return to Thessaloniki-Macedonia Airport, achieving an emergency landing without further complications.
Upon landing, emergency services (Firefighters, Police, and medical personnel) were already on high alert. The Serbian passenger was transferred to AHEPA Hospital, where he remains hospitalized. Although he is conscious and in a state of shock, he suffered abrasion burns (injuries caused by violent friction or rubbing against the plane's structure during the suction).
Another traveler also requested medical attention and was assisted at the airport itself. Subsequent technical inspections confirmed that the plane's engine had suffered considerable damage due to the part detaching.
To mitigate delays and allow travelers to continue their journey, Ryanair arranged a second plane that departed from Thessaloniki at 9:35 to Germany.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
