A dramatic mid-air incident occurred on Friday when a cabin window reportedly dislodged on a Ryanair-operated flight, leaving a passenger partially pulled outside. The Malta Air plane was heading from Thessaloniki to Memmingen when the alarming event took place shortly after take-off.
Witnesses described a loud bang and the subsequent breaking of the window, which led to oxygen masks deploying from the ceiling. Reports suggest that a Serbian man in his 60s was left hanging outside for several minutes, with fellow passengers credited with pulling him back inside, averting what could have been a fatal outcome.
Ryanair confirmed the aircraft landed safely back at Thessaloniki and that one passenger received medical attention on the ground. The airline arranged for a replacement plane to transport passengers to Memmingen several hours later.
The budget carrier's ownership of Malta Air, which operated the affected aircraft, has raised questions about maintenance and safety protocols. Although Ryanair has not commented on the cause, speculation among passengers suggests debris from the engine might have caused the window to smash.
Authorities in Greece and Malta are conducting investigations into the incident, with the Irish Aviation Authority offering its assistance. The critical importance of aircraft maintenance and safety procedures is underscored by this event, which bears similarities to a 2018 Southwest Airlines tragedy in the US where a passenger died after being partially sucked out.
The incident serves as a poignant reminder for UK travellers of the need to understand airline safety procedures, particularly during pre-flight briefings. Passengers are advised to familiarise themselves with emergency exits and oxygen masks, highlighting the importance of crew training and prompt response in mitigating harm.