Passengers aboard a Condor Airlines flight from Corfu, Greece, to Düsseldorf, Germany, faced a terrifying ordeal when flames appeared to shoot from one of the plane’s engines, prompting many to text their loved ones what they feared could be their final goodbyes.
Flames Seen From the Ground
The Boeing 757, carrying 273 passengers and eight crew members, took off on Saturday, August 17, but quickly ran into trouble at an altitude of about 36,000 feet. Witnesses on the ground reported seeing bursts of fire coming from the aircraft’s right engine, leading to alarm both in the air and on the ground.
Several passengers recalled the moment the plane lost power briefly. “Suddenly, the power went out for a few seconds, and we realized we were no longer climbing,” one traveler told local media. Another passenger admitted they began sending goodbye messages, convinced the plane was about to crash.
Emergency Landing in Italy
Flight DE 3665 was diverted to Brindisi Airport in southern Italy, where it landed safely just 40 minutes after departure. Videos circulating online showed fiery flashes near the engine, with loud popping noises echoing across the night sky.
Despite the dramatic images, Condor Airlines later assured the public that passengers were never in immediate danger.
What Went Wrong?
In a statement, the airline explained the issue was not a fire but rather a disruption in the airflow supply to the engine. This caused unusual reactions inside the combustion chamber, which created bursts of visible flames.
“Media reports about an engine combusted in fire are false,” Condor said. “What occurred was a reaction that normally happens inside the combustion chamber, but in this case, it became visible from the outside. At no point were passengers at risk.”
The aircraft is now undergoing a full technical inspection.
Stranded Passengers Face Further Challenges
After the emergency landing, many passengers found themselves stranded in Brindisi. The airline admitted that hotel space was insufficient to house everyone overnight. While some travelers were given vouchers, blankets, and access to open airport shops, others had to seek out their own accommodations, with the airline offering reimbursement for expenses.
Condor later dispatched another aircraft to complete the journey to Düsseldorf the same evening.
Final Thoughts
While the incident ended without injuries, it left many shaken by the frightening moments midair. For some passengers, the sight of flames outside their window and the decision to send “final texts” underscored just how quickly a routine flight can turn into a nightmare.
Condor has since issued an apology, emphasizing that safety remains its top priority and that thorough inspections are underway to prevent similar scares in the future.