A Ryanair flight was forced to return to Thessaloniki shortly after take-off on Friday after a cabin window reportedly became dislodged during flight, causing a rapid loss of cabin pressure and leaving one passenger injured.
The Boeing 737, operated by Ryanair subsidiary Malta Air, had departed from Thessaloniki, Greece, bound for Memmingen, Germany, when the incident occurred approximately 10 minutes after take-off.
Aircraft Returned Shortly After Departure
Flight tracking data indicates the aircraft made a rapid descent of around 9,000 feet (2,700 metres) before safely returning to Thessaloniki Airport. Passengers told local media they heard what sounded like an explosion moments before the aircraft began descending.
In a statement, Ryanair confirmed that the flight returned to its departure airport after “a passenger window dislodged in flight.”
“The aircraft landed normally and passengers returned to the terminal. One passenger requested and received medical assistance on the ground in Thessaloniki,” the airline said.
Passenger Treated for Injuries
According to local hospital officials, a 61-year-old Serbian passenger was treated for friction burns following the incident.
Passengers quoted by Greek media claimed the man was partially pulled toward the opening after the window became dislodged and that fellow passengers, including his wife, helped pull him back into his seat. Those eyewitness accounts have not been independently verified by investigators.
Medical officials said the passenger did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
Replacement Flight Arranged
Ryanair said a replacement aircraft was provided later the same day to transport passengers to Memmingen after the original flight was cancelled following its return.
The aircraft involved is reported to have been an 18-year-old Boeing 737 operated by Malta Air, one of Ryanair Group’s airline subsidiaries.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the incident remains under investigation by the Hellenic Air and Rail Safety Investigation Authority.
Airport operator Fraport Greece confirmed it had activated its emergency response procedures after the aircraft’s precautionary return and said it is fully cooperating with investigators.
Authorities are expected to examine the aircraft, maintenance records and flight data to determine how the cabin window became dislodged during the climb after departure.
