A flight from Corfu to Düsseldorf became a nightmare when a Boeing 757’s engine caught fire mid-flight, forcing an emergency landing in Italy. Onboard were 273 passengers and eight crew members who faced a tense and frightening journey.
The incident happened roughly 40 minutes after takeoff at 36,000 feet when a “turbine airflow disruption” caused flames to erupt from the plane’s right wing. Passengers saw the fire and many feared their last moments, sending messages to loved ones.
One passenger described how the plane suddenly lost power and stopped climbing, intensifying the fear.
The pilots swiftly diverted the flight to Brindisi Airport, where they landed safely at 8:15 p.m. local time.
Many passengers had to spend the night in Brindisi. Limited hotel space meant some stayed at the airport, but Condor provided blankets, vouchers, and kept shops open to assist stranded travelers.
Though the situation was frightening, the airline stressed no one’s life was at risk. The root cause was a chemical reaction inside the engine’s combustion chamber, causing the malfunction.
Social media videos captured dramatic images of flames shooting from the engine and passengers watching in distress.
The episode raised concerns about Boeing aircraft safety amid ongoing scrutiny.
Condor arranged a replacement plane for the passengers to continue to Germany the following day.
For those aboard, the experience was deeply unsettling, with some unsure about flying again.
The event showed how quickly emergencies can escalate in the air and the vital role of well-trained crews in handling crises. The plane remains grounded as inspections continue.
Condor assured that despite the fire, safety was never at risk, though the memory of that night is likely to stay with passengers forever.
