Ryanair Passenger Partially Sucked Out of Broken Window During Flight, Plane Returns Safely

A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany, experienced a severe incident on July 10, 2026, when part of the plane's engine detached and shattered a passenger window mid-flight at approximately 6,000 meters altitude. Eyewitnesses reported that the passenger seated next to the broken window was sucked halfway out, with his head and shoulders protruding outside the aircraft. His wife held onto him for about five minutes until other passengers helped pull him back inside. The passenger, reportedly a 61-year-old Serbian man, sustained minor injuries including neck trauma, abrasions, and burns, and was conscious but in shock.

Oxygen masks deployed following the window breakage, and the flight crew immediately turned the plane around, returning to Thessaloniki Airport where it landed safely after about 74 minutes. Ryanair confirmed the incident, stating the window detached during flight and that the aircraft landed normally with all passengers disembarking to the terminal. The airline also reported that one passenger received medical treatment on the ground. Official reports clarified there was no structural damage to the aircraft's fuselage despite initial concerns.

The malfunction was detected while flying over North Macedonia, prompting the decision to return due to the unresolved engine issue. Additionally, a pregnant woman on board was hospitalized but later released in good condition. The incident highlights a rare but serious safety event on a low-cost carrier flight, drawing attention to in-flight emergency responses and aircraft maintenance protocols.