Ryanair Passenger Partially Sucked Out of Window Survives Thanks to Seatbelt and Wife's Quick Action

A 61-year-old Serbian passenger, Ljubica Krbovic, survived a terrifying incident on a Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen when part of the plane's engine detached and shattered a window, causing him to be sucked halfway out of the aircraft. The event occurred shortly after takeoff on July 10, 2026, at an altitude of approximately 6 kilometers. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion and seeing Ljubica's body outside the plane up to his shoulders. His wife, Svetlana, played a crucial role by holding onto him, preventing a fatal fall.

Passengers reported screams and a strong smell inside the cabin as oxygen masks deployed due to rapid decompression. Fortunately, Ljubica had not removed his seatbelt, which likely saved his life. The flight promptly returned to Thessaloniki, landing about 20 minutes after the incident. Ljubica was immediately hospitalized with neck injuries and other trauma but remained conscious despite shock and oxygen deprivation.

Ryanair confirmed the emergency landing and stated that the plane returned safely after the window detached mid-flight. The incident highlights the dangers of sudden decompression and the importance of seatbelt use during flights. Medical updates indicate Ljubica is stable, and investigations into the engine failure and window breakage are ongoing.