A Ryanair flight from Greece to Germany experienced a terrifying incident earlier this month, where a passenger was partially ejected from a cabin window. The airline's chief executive, Michael O'Leary, has since indicated that 'foreign object damage' to an engine may have been the cause of the alarming event.
The incident occurred on 10 July 2026, on a flight operated by Ryanair's subsidiary, Malta Air. Serbian national Ljubisa Karović sustained serious injuries and was left in shock after his head and right shoulder were reportedly sucked out of the plane's window. His wife, Svetlana Grković Maksimović, recounted to BBC Serbia how she and two other passengers struggled for several minutes to pull him back into the cabin, describing his face as 'deformed' and bleeding heavily.
Following what passengers described as 'some kind of explosion', the aircraft made an emergency landing. Mr Karović was subsequently hospitalised. Mr O'Leary stated that an initial investigation points towards damage to the engine during take-off from Thessaloniki, although he cautioned that this conclusion is not yet definitive. He also emphasised that the engine on the 18-year-old Boeing 737 had undergone full servicing and overhaul within the last two years.
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the matter. The findings from this inquiry, particularly regarding the cause of the damage, could significantly influence the liabilities of either Ryanair or Boeing. Mr O'Leary anticipates a draft report from the NTSB within approximately 28 days.
For UK travellers considering flights with Ryanair or other airlines, it's crucial to remain informed about airline safety standards and ongoing investigations. While such incidents are rare, they underscore the importance of comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and repatriation. Always check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for your destination, particularly regarding safety and security, before booking your trip. No specific FCDO warnings have been issued in relation to this particular incident, but general advice for air travel remains to be vigilant and adhere to all crew instructions.