Terrifying Mid-Air Incident
A Condor Airlines Boeing 757 carrying 273 passengers and eight crew members was forced to make an emergency landing in southern Italy after one of its engines burst into flames. The aircraft, operating Flight DE 3665 from Corfu, Greece, to Düsseldorf, Germany, experienced a turbine airflow disruption while cruising at around 36,000 feet. Passengers reported seeing flames shooting from the right wing shortly after takeoff, sparking panic on board. Some travelers admitted to sending farewell messages to loved ones, believing the worst was imminent.
Emergency Landing in Brindisi
The plane diverted to Brindisi Airport, where it landed safely about 40 minutes after departure. Social media footage captured by bystanders in Italy showed the jet making loud booming noises as bursts of fire erupted from its engine. Aviation authorities later confirmed that the malfunction was caused by a disturbance in the airflow supply within the combustion chamber. According to Condor, the issue never posed a direct threat to passenger safety, but the technical failure necessitated an immediate landing.
Passenger Ordeal After Landing
Following the emergency, passengers were accommodated either in local hotels or at the airport overnight before being flown to Germany on another aircraft the next morning. Due to limited hotel capacity in Brindisi, not everyone was provided lodging. The airline arranged vouchers, blankets, and access to open shops in the terminal as temporary support. Condor also offered reimbursement for those who found their own accommodations.
Technical Inspection and Safety Measures
The aircraft is undergoing a thorough technical inspection to determine the extent of the damage and confirm the cause of the malfunction. Officials stressed that the accelerator-induced disturbance was manageable and did not create the risk of uncontrolled chain reactions, unlike more severe in-flight failures. The incident highlights the challenges airlines face in ensuring safety under unexpected technical conditions, as well as the importance of swift emergency response protocols.