In brief
A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen experienced a sudden decompression five minutes into flight, causing the aircraft to drop 9,000 ft and a cabin window to rupture. Passengers recounted hearing an "explosion" and seeing a 61‑year‑old passenger head‑first outside the broken window. He was pulled back inside by other passengers and a wife, then treated for burn injuries and shock in the hospital. The airline said the aircraft returned to Thessaloniki, passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft, and the incident is under investigation by Hellenic and Irish aviation authorities. Experts noted that seat-belt compliance likely prevented a more serious outcome.
Passengers report window rupture
Passengers on a Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen said the aircraft abruptly descended 9,000 ft after a sudden decompression, which ripped a cabin window open.
One 61‑year‑old Serbian national was left sagging head‑first out of the window; fellow passengers and his wife managed to pull him back inside before he lost consciousness.
Medical teams in Thessaloniki treated him for burn injuries and shock; the airline said the flight returned to the airport and passengers were moved to a replacement aircraft for their onward journey.
The incident is under investigation by the Hellenic Air and Rail Safety Investigation Authority, with the Irish Aviation Authority offering assistance to investigators.
Experts say the incident could have been worse if the passenger had not worn a seat belt.
