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 some to text 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 trouble struck at roughly 36,000 feet. Witnesses on the ground reported bursts of fire from the aircraft’s right engine, creating alarm both in the air and below.
Several passengers described moments of panic when the plane briefly lost power. “Suddenly, the power went out for a few seconds, and we realized we were no longer climbing,” one traveler told local media. Another admitted sending farewell messages, convinced the aircraft might crash.
Emergency Landing in Italy
Flight DE 3665 was diverted to Brindisi Airport in southern Italy, landing safely just 40 minutes after departure. Videos circulating online showed fiery flashes near the engine and loud popping noises echoing across the night sky.
Despite the dramatic scenes, Condor Airlines reassured the public that passengers were never in immediate danger.
What Really Happened
In a statement, the airline clarified that the incident was not an engine fire but a disruption in the airflow supply. This caused unusual reactions inside the combustion chamber, producing visible flames.
“Media reports about an engine 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 Challenges
After the emergency landing, many passengers were stranded in Brindisi. With limited hotel space, some travelers received vouchers, blankets, and access to airport shops, while others arranged their own accommodations with promised reimbursement from the airline.
Condor later dispatched another plane to complete the journey to Düsseldorf that same evening.
A Frightening Reminder
Although the incident ended without injuries, it left passengers shaken. For some, the sight of flames outside their window and the need to send “final texts” highlighted just how quickly a routine flight can turn into a nightmare.
Condor issued an apology and emphasized that passenger safety remains its top priority, with thorough inspections underway to prevent future scares.