Ryanair has issued statements affirming the safety of its operations following an incident in which a passenger was partially drawn out of an aircraft window mid-flight. The incident occurred when engine failure resulted in damage to an acrylic window on a Boeing 737 operated by Malta Air, a Ryanair subsidiary, during a flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen. The passenger was rescued by his wife and two other travelers who prevented him from being pulled from the aircraft.
Neil Sorahan, Ryanair’s group chief financial officer, stated that the airline’s customer care team has maintained contact with the affected family. He praised the aircraft crew and pilots for their response, noting that all passengers and crew safely returned to Thessaloniki. Sorahan indicated it was premature to discuss compensation matters while an investigation was underway.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is leading an independent investigation into the incident. Sorahan expressed Ryanair’s full participation in the investigative process and stated that neither the Federal Aviation Administration nor the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have mandated operational changes for the airline. He emphasized that Ryanair’s fleet consists of relatively new aircraft operated in compliance with European aviation safety regulations and highlighted the Boeing 737’s extensive safety record globally.
Sorahan also addressed broader operational challenges, criticizing the EU’s new digital entry-exit system for creating extended delays at major airports. The airline previously identified 15 airports across Europe experiencing significant passport control congestion. Additionally, Ryanair reported that quarterly profits declined 34% to €538 million in the three months ending in June, primarily attributable to doubled jet fuel costs related to the Iran war. Despite passenger numbers rising 6% to 61.3 million, average fares decreased 6%, and operating costs increased 11% to €3.81 billion.
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