A Condor Airlines flight turned into a terrifying experience for 273 passengers and eight crew members when one of its engines caught fire while flying over Italy. The Boeing 757 had just taken off from Corfu, Greece, heading to Düsseldorf, Germany, when the crisis unfolded.
At around 36,000 feet, the right engine experienced what the airline called a “turbine airflow disruption,” sparking flames visible from the wing shortly after 8 p.m. local time. Panic quickly filled the cabin as travelers feared the worst. Several passengers shared how they sent goodbye messages to loved ones, fearing the flight was doomed. One passenger told German media the plane lost power briefly and struggled to climb, prompting a chilling realization: “I thought, it’s over now.”
The flight crew responded quickly, diverting the plane to Brindisi Airport in southern Italy. Just 40 minutes after departure, the plane landed safely at 8:15 p.m., bringing relief to everyone onboard.
However, many passengers were stuck overnight in Brindisi due to limited hotel space. Condor Airlines provided blankets, vouchers, and ensured airport shops stayed open, while offering reimbursement for anyone who paid for alternative accommodation. Despite the frightening scene, the airline stressed that no one was ever in real danger.
The problem was traced back to a chemical reaction inside the engine’s combustion chamber, triggering a thorough technical inspection of the aircraft. Videos on social media showed flames bursting from the engine alongside loud noises, creating a surreal image of the plane “fighting fire” midair. Passengers captured moments of intense fear as they watched the fire from their windows.
The incident raised concerns about aircraft safety, especially for Boeing, which has faced increased scrutiny recently.
Condor acted quickly to ensure passenger safety and arranged a replacement flight to Germany the next day. Still, many on board said the ordeal left them shaken, with some unsure if they would fly again.
This event highlighted how quickly a flight can shift from routine to life-threatening and underlined the importance of calm, skilled crews in an emergency. Though no injuries occurred, the memory of those terrifying minutes at 36,000 feet remains etched in passengers’ minds.
The aircraft remains grounded while investigators continue inspections. Condor continues to reassure that passengers’ safety was never compromised, but for those who lived through it, that thin line between safety and disaster is unforgettable.
