(RTTNews) – A Ryanair Holdings PLC (RYA.L) flight headed to Memmingen, Germany, made an emergency landing back in Thessaloniki, Greece, after a passenger window came loose shortly after takeoff. The incident caused cabin decompression and left one passenger injured.
Flight FR1879 operated by an 18-year-old Boeing 737 Next Generation departed Thessaloniki on Friday morning but turned around soon after the problem was reported. Airport sources and Greek media said the passenger seated next to the damaged window was briefly pulled toward the opening before other passengers managed to hold him back.
He was later treated on the ground for shock and other injuries.
Ryanair said the aircraft returned to Thessaloniki safely, one passenger received medical assistance, and a replacement aircraft was arranged to carry travelers on to Memmingen.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the aircraft type and said it is prepared to assist the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board with the investigation. Greek authorities have also opened their own inquiry.
The cause of the window failure is still unclear.
Local reports suggested debris from an engine may have struck the window, though that has not been confirmed. The incident has drawn comparisons to a 2018 Southwest Airlines accident involving a Boeing 737 NG, in which an engine fan blade failure shattered a window, leading to a passenger’s death and tighter engine inspection requirements.
