Horror at 15,000 Feet: Passenger Nearly Sucked Out of Ryanair Plane Window After Mid-Air Window Failure

A terrifying mid-air incident involving a Ryanair-operated flight has sparked an international aviation investigation after a passenger was partially sucked out of a shattered aircraft window during a flight from Greece to Germany. The accident, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Thessaloniki on July 10, left one passenger seriously injured and raised fresh questions about aircraft safety, emergency procedures, and passenger protection.

The flight, operated by Ryanair subsidiary Malta Air, was en route to Memmingen, Germany, when passengers heard a loud explosion shortly after departure. According to preliminary information released by aviation authorities and statements from the airline, part of the aircraft"s engine apparently failed, sending debris toward the fuselage. The debris struck a cabin window, causing it to break and triggering rapid cabin depressurization.

The passenger seated next to the damaged window, identified in media reports as 61-year-old Serbian businessman Ljubisa Karović, was partially pulled outside the aircraft by the force of the escaping air. Witnesses said only his seatbelt, along with the efforts of nearby passengers—including his wife—prevented him from being completely ejected from the aircraft.

"I was sucked out of a Ryanair plane window at 15,000 feet, the crew did nothing while my wife saved my life... then all I heard from the airline was an email asking if I wanted to rebook..." x. 😅🤣😂 #Ryanair https://t.co/jGFwYkkIS4

— Cosmopeleton (@Cosmopeleton) July 26, 2026

His wife, Svetlana Maksimović, later described the terrifying moment in interviews, saying she heard an extremely loud bang before turning to see her husband being pulled toward the broken window. Together with two other passengers, she grabbed his legs and managed to hold onto him until the aircraft descended to a safer altitude.

The aircraft returned safely to Thessaloniki Airport, where emergency medical teams were waiting. Karović was taken to hospital suffering from injuries including burns, neck trauma, and shock. He has since spoken publicly about the physical pain and emotional trauma he continues to experience following the incident, saying he still struggles with headaches and sleeping.

Following the emergency landing, Ryanair issued a statement confirming that the aircraft had returned to Thessaloniki after a passenger window became dislodged during the flight. The airline said the aircraft landed safely, passengers were transferred back to the terminal, and a replacement aircraft was arranged to complete the journey to Germany. Ryanair also confirmed that one passenger requested and received medical assistance after landing.

As public attention intensified, Ryanair emphasized that passenger safety remains its highest priority. Company executives stated that there is currently no evidence suggesting the incident was caused by poor aircraft maintenance or the age of the aircraft. According to Ryanair CEO Michael O"Leary, initial findings point toward foreign object damage after a piece of the engine struck the cabin window, rather than a structural failure of the aircraft itself.

The investigation is now being led by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), working alongside European aviation authorities. Investigators are examining engine components, maintenance records, cockpit data, and flight recorders to determine exactly what caused the engine failure and subsequent window damage. Officials have indicated that a preliminary report is expected within several weeks, although a complete investigation could take many months before final conclusions are published.

A new twist has emerged in the investigation into how a passenger was partially sucked out of a plane window. https://t.co/L4zRLFmVLO

— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) July 23, 2026

Meanwhile, conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the crew"s response during the emergency. Karović and his lawyer have claimed that cabin crew did little to assist while passengers pulled him back into the aircraft. They also alleged that the only communication received from Ryanair afterward was an automated email asking whether they wished to rebook their journey.

Ryanair has strongly rejected those claims. Company executives stated that the flight crew acted professionally throughout the emergency, followed all established safety procedures, and successfully returned the aircraft to Thessaloniki without further incident. The airline has also said that its customer care team has remained in contact with the family while the official investigation continues.

Aviation experts note that rapid cabin depressurization is an extremely uncommon event in modern commercial aviation. Aircraft are designed with multiple safety systems, and pilots receive extensive training to respond immediately to emergencies involving loss of cabin pressure. Standard procedures include an emergency descent to a lower altitude where passengers and crew can breathe safely without relying solely on supplemental oxygen.

The incident has also renewed discussions about the importance of wearing seatbelts throughout a flight. Safety specialists point out that although passengers are often allowed to unfasten their seatbelts after takeoff, remaining securely buckled whenever seated can significantly reduce the risk of injury during unexpected turbulence or mechanical emergencies.

Although dramatic, experts stress that commercial aviation remains one of the safest forms of transportation in the world. Engine failures, cabin depressurization, and window damage are extremely rare, and strict international maintenance standards are designed to identify potential problems before aircraft enter service.

For now, investigators continue analyzing evidence to determine the exact sequence of events that led to one of the most shocking in-flight incidents in recent years. Their findings are expected to influence future maintenance procedures and safety recommendations across the aviation industry. Until the investigation is completed, authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and rely on official findings rather than unverified reports circulating on social media.

The incident serves as a powerful reminder that while aviation accidents remain exceptionally rare, every emergency is thoroughly investigated to improve safety standards and help prevent similar events in the future.