Boeing bursts into flames on take-off as passengers send 'final texts'
A Boeing 757-300 operated by Condor Airlines was forced to make an emergency landing in Italy after its right engine caught fire shortly after taking off from Corfu in Greece
Visuals from the scene show the plane's wing engulfed in fire while in the air
(Image: X)
Shocked holidaymakers have recounted the terrifying moment a jet engine burst into flames just moments after take off. It comes as memory of the fatal Air India- Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash is still painfully fresh in many minds.
Approximately 300 passengers aboard a Condor Airlines Boeing 757-300 were left horrified on Saturday night when the aircraft's right engine began spewing massive flames and smoke shortly after departing Corfu in Greece, with video footage showing a spluttering blaze visible from the ground.
Travellers on the flight from Greece have since disclosed how they started sending 'final messages' to their loved ones as smoke billowed past their windows, believing they were about to plummet.
Flight tracking data reveals the aircraft performing a dramatic U-turn before executing an emergency landing in Brindisi, Italy. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Those aboard endured further ordeal upon touchdown when they learnt there was insufficient hotel capacity near the airport, forcing some to sleep on the terminal floor, reports the Mirror.
Describing her ordeal, one passenger told German newspaper Bild: "I sent goodbye messages thinking it was over. It was a horrible experience.
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"Suddenly, we heard a loud noise, then flames shot out of the engine. It was very scary."
Another recounted hearing a "loud clicking noise". The blaze is thought to have resulted from a bird strike.
Condor Airlines, which operated the service, has stated that passengers faced no danger during the incident.
The German airline Condor has refuted claims of an engine explosion, attributing the fire to a "disturbance in air flow" that made a normal combustion chamber reaction more visible.
A spokesperson for Condor told the Mirror: "Flight DE3665 from Corfu (CFU) to Dusseldorf (DUS) diverted to Brindisi (BDS) on 16 August 2025.
"The reason was a parameter indication outside the normal range caused by a disturbance in the air flow supply to the engine. Due to the fault message, it was precautionarily decided to divert to Brindisi.
"This posed no danger to the guests or crew members at any time. The aircraft landed around 8:15 p.m. at Brindisi Airport, and all 273 guests as well as the eight crew members disembarked the aircraft normally. Another Condor aircraft was dispatched to carry all guests to Dusseldorf on August 17th, 2025.
"Unfortunately, there was insufficient hotel capacity in Brindisi, meaning that not all guests could be accommodated in hotels. Additional vouchers and blankets were organised at the airport, and a few shops were allowed to remain open to provide supplies. Passengers who took advantage of alternative accommodation options can submit their expenses for reimbursement.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but the safety of our passengers and employees is always our top priority."
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