Ryanair flight window break sucks passenger out, injuries reported

On 10 July 2026 a Ryanair Boeing 737 on the Thessaloniki‑to‑Memmingen route suffered a sudden cabin‑pressure loss after a cabin window shattered shortly after take‑off. The impact is believed to have been caused by a foreign object striking the engine, according to Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, who said the aircraft’s age and maintenance were not factors.

The incident left 61‑year‑old Serbian passenger Ljubisa Karović half‑outside the aircraft at roughly 4 500 m altitude and 600 km/h, with neck and shoulder injuries, burns and bruises. He remained strapped in a seat‑belt, which he credited for saving his life, and was rescued by his wife Svetlana and other passengers who held him and plugged the opening with a suitcase. He was taken to hospital in Thessaloniki, where he continues to wear a cervical collar and suffers psychological trauma, saying he now experiences panic and fever at the sound of an aircraft.

Greek authorities and the U.S. NTSB are investigating; a preliminary report is due in about 28 days. The aircraft returned safely to Thessaloniki for an emergency landing.