A Condor Airlines Boeing 757 was forced to make an emergency landing in Italy after its engine erupted into flames mid-flight, terrifying hundreds of passengers. Some travelers even sent “goodbye texts” to loved ones, believing they would not survive.
Engine Bursts Into Flames Mid-Air
The aircraft, operating as Flight DE 3665 from Corfu, Greece to Düsseldorf, Germany, was carrying 273 passengers and 8 crew members when the incident occurred Saturday evening. At around 36,000 feet, passengers noticed flames shooting from the right wing after a turbine airflow disruption, according to German outlet WDR.
One passenger recalled the horrifying moment: “Suddenly, the power went out for a few seconds, and we realized we were no longer climbing.” Another said they began sending farewell texts to family, convinced it was the end.
Emergency Landing in Brindisi
The flight diverted to Brindisi Airport in southern Italy, landing safely at 8:15 p.m. local time, just 40 minutes after takeoff. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show flames flashing intermittently from the jet’s engine, while loud booms echoed across the sky. In one viral TikTok clip, a bystander wrote, “I was just chilling… then realized a plane was literally fighting fire in front of me.”
Condor Airlines confirmed the issue was caused by a chemical reaction in the engine’s combustion chamber. In a statement, the company emphasized that no passengers were ever in real danger. “Due to the fault message, it was precautionarily decided to divert to Brindisi. The aircraft landed safely, and all guests disembarked normally,” the airline said.
Passenger Ordeal After Landing
After the landing, passengers faced further struggles. Due to limited hotel capacity in Brindisi, some were forced to sleep at the airport. Condor said it provided blankets, vouchers, and arranged for shops to remain open to assist stranded travelers. The airline promised to reimburse those who paid for alternative accommodations.
By the following morning, another Condor aircraft transported the passengers to Düsseldorf. “We apologize for any inconvenience caused, but the safety of our passengers and employees is always our top priority,” the airline said in its statement to The New York Post.
Aircraft Under Inspection
The Boeing 757 remains grounded as engineers conduct a full technical inspection to determine the root cause of the malfunction. The incident comes at a time when Boeing has faced mounting scrutiny over aircraft safety, heightening public concern about airline reliability.
Though Condor reassured the public that safety protocols worked as designed, the emotional toll on passengers was undeniable. For many, the flight that was supposed to last just a few hours turned into a harrowing night they will never forget.