Passenger partially ejected after Ryanair window breaks on Greece-to-Germany flight
A Ryanair flight returning to Thessaloniki after takeoff suffered a window failure that partially exposed a passenger, who was treated for burns and shock before the aircraft continued to its destination.
A Ryanair aircraft on Flight 1879 from Thessaloniki to Memmingen returned to its departure airport after a window detached shortly after take-off, exposing a passenger's head and shoulders. The incident was triggered by debris that broke away from one of the plane's engines, according to Greek media reports.
A passenger who witnessed the event told Radio Thessaloniki that most travelers were asleep when a loud noise, described as similar to a tire bursting, woke them and triggered the deployment of oxygen masks. The woman said the exposed passenger, a 61-year-old Serbian tourist, remained strapped in his seat while his wife and other passengers held him in place.
Greek authorities said the man received treatment for friction burns and shock but was otherwise in good condition. Ryanair confirmed the aircraft landed safely, passengers were taken to the terminal and a replacement plane was arranged to complete the journey to Memmingen.
The airline's statement did not elaborate on the cause of the window failure beyond noting the dislodgement in flight. Similar incidents involving engine debris and cabin decompression have been reported in the past, including a 2018 Southwest Airlines flight and a January 2024 Alaska Airlines flight.