Ryanair Reassures Travellers on Safety After Mid-Flight Window Incident
Sophie Turner
Ryanair has affirmed the safety of its aircraft fleet following a recent incident where a passenger was almost pulled out of a plane window. The airline has been in contact with the affected family and awaits the outcome of an independent investigation.
- A passenger was nearly sucked out of a Ryanair subsidiary plane window after an engine failure caused damage.
- Ryanair's CFO stated the airline is confident in its safety standards and is cooperating with an NTSB investigation.
- The airline reported a significant profit slump due to rising jet fuel costs but strong summer bookings.
- Ryanair criticised the new EU digital entry-exit system (EES) for causing substantial delays at European airports.
Ryanair has moved swiftly to reassure passengers about the safety of its aircraft following a harrowing incident on a flight from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany. In a dramatic mid-air drama, 61-year-old Ljubisa Karović was partially sucked out of an acrylic window after engine failure caused parts to strike it.
The crew's swift action prevented a potentially catastrophic outcome as they managed to pull Mr Karović back into the cabin just in time. The incident is now under investigation by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has been appointed to lead the inquiry into the Boeing 737 operated by Ryanair subsidiary Malta Air.
Despite concerns about safety, Ryanair's group chief financial officer, Neil Sorahan, stressed that summer bookings remain "very strong" and expressed confidence in the airline's fleet, which he described as being relatively young. He pointed out that neither the Federal Aviation Administration nor the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have mandated any operational changes following the incident.
Ryanair has also welcomed the NTSB's involvement in the investigation and is cooperating fully with its findings. However, Mr Sorahan warned of potential delays at popular airports this summer due to the EU's new digital Entry-Exit System (EES), which has "nearly tripled" processing times at some major hubs.
In a separate development, Ryanair revealed that it posted a 34% slump in profits after tax for the three months to June, largely attributed to a doubling of jet fuel prices. The airline's financial performance is being closely watched as it continues to navigate the challenges of rising fuel costs and regulatory changes.
Why this matters: This incident raises concerns about airline safety, particularly for British tourists frequently using low-cost carriers like Ryanair for European travel. The added delays at EU borders due to the new EES system could significantly impact holiday plans for UK families this summer.
What this means for you: What this means for you: If you are planning a holiday to an EU country this summer, be aware of potential significant delays at passport control due to the new EES system. Ryanair, a popular choice for British holidaymakers, advises arriving at airports earlier than usual. While Ryanair reassures passengers of its fleet's safety, it's always prudent to check FCO travel advice before flying. For destinations like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece, no visa is currently required for UK citizens for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, especially for unforeseen incidents or medical emergencies abroad, with costs varying but typically starting from around £20 for a single trip.