Overview
- Ryanair flight FR1879, which departed Thessaloniki on Friday, returned to Makedonia Airport minutes after takeoff when pilots reported an engine problem and the aircraft landed safely.
- Reports and passenger testimony say a piece of the right engine detached in flight, struck and shattered a window, and caused a sudden loss of cabin pressure that deployed oxygen masks.
- A 61-year-old man seated at the damaged window was partially pulled outward and was held inside the cabin by his wife and other passengers until the plane landed.
- Four people were taken to AHEPA University Hospital for checks; three were discharged and the 61-year-old remained under observation with minor abrasions and shock, according to local reports.
- Greek aviation authorities began a technical investigation and moved the Boeing 737-8AS to a designated area for inspection, with authorities expected to examine engine components, maintenance records and any wider safety implications for the fleet.