RYANAIR FLIGHT RETURNS TO GREECE AFTER WINDOW DISLODGES MID-AIR

A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany, returned safely to Greece after a cabin window dislodged shortly after takeoff, according to The Guardian and Business Insider. The flight was operated by Malta Air, a Ryanair subsidiary, and the airline said one passenger required medical attention after landing.

The Guardian reported that the incident occurred after an engine failure caused debris to strike an acrylic cabin window, leading to sudden cabin depressurization and deployment of oxygen masks. Business Insider reported that the aircraft made an emergency turn back to Thessaloniki about 10 minutes into the flight.

Several outlets reported that a 61-year-old Serbian passenger seated beside the affected window was partially pulled toward or through the opening before being restrained by nearby passengers. The Guardian reported that the man's wife held onto his legs, while Business Insider said other passengers helped pull him back inside the cabin. Ryanair confirmed the window incident but did not verify the partial-ejection account, according to Business Insider.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the aircraft encountered a right-engine issue at about 16,000 feet and that debris struck the plane, dislodging the window and causing depressurization. The Journal reported that emergency responders met the aircraft after it returned to Thessaloniki.

The injured passenger received medical treatment after landing. The Guardian reported that he was treated for shock and friction burns from freezing air exposure, while Business Insider reported that only one passenger required medical attention and that no further casualties were reported.

Ryanair arranged a replacement aircraft to continue the journey, according to The Guardian and Business Insider. Business Insider reported that passengers completed the trip about four hours later.

The incident is now expected to face aviation-safety investigation. The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is assisting an investigation led by officials from North Macedonia, and that Boeing and engine-maker CFM International are cooperating. The Irish Aviation Authority said it was aware of the event and working with Greek and Maltese aviation safety authorities.

The central questions are what caused the engine issue, what part of the aircraft or engine struck the window, and whether the event points to an isolated failure or a broader inspection concern. Until investigators release findings, the incident remains a serious but still-developing aviation emergency in which the aircraft returned safely and one passenger was injured.

Fact-check date: 10 July 2026
Article type: News
Sources: The Guardian, Business Insider, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC, Irish Aviation Authority reporting