Key facts
- A Ryanair flight experienced an incident where a passenger was partially sucked out of a window.
- The airline's CEO indicated that "foreign object damage" to an engine during takeoff is the likely cause.
- The affected aircraft was an 18-year-old Boeing 737 operated by Malta Air.
- The passenger was rescued by other travelers and subsequently hospitalized.
- The US National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.
A Ryanair flight experienced a serious incident on July 10, where a passenger was partially pulled out of a window, prompting an emergency landing. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary stated that preliminary investigations suggest the event was caused by "foreign object damage" to an engine during takeoff from Thessaloniki, Greece. He emphasized that the 18-year-old Boeing 737 aircraft's engine had undergone full servicing and overhaul within the past two years. Passengers on board reported hearing an "explosion" prior to the incident. The passenger who was affected was rescued by fellow travelers and subsequently hospitalized. The US National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation, with a draft report expected in approximately 28 days. The aircraft was operated by Ryanair's subsidiary, Malta Air.