What was supposed to be a routine flight from Corfu to Düsseldorf turned into a terrifying ordeal for hundreds of passengers after one of the aircraft’s engines suddenly caught fire mid-air.
Travelers on Condor’s flight DE3665 had only just taken off when the frightening incident unfolded, sparking fear both inside the plane and on the ground.
Flames Erupt Moments After Take-Off
The Boeing jet, carrying 273 passengers and eight crew members, had barely reached 1,500 feet when sparks and bursts of orange flames began shooting from its right engine.
Those watching from the port area in Corfu described hearing a loud bang, “like an explosion,” as the engine lit up.
Videos recorded by witnesses showed the frightening flashes before they abruptly stopped.
Pilots Forced to Rethink the Flight Path
Initially, Corfu Airport was placed on red alert in case the plane needed to return for an emergency landing.
But the pilots assessed the situation and believed the aircraft could continue flying on just one engine.
Instead of heading to Düsseldorf, however, the jet was redirected to Brindisi Airport in Italy, where it landed safely at an altitude of around 8,000 feet.
German network RTL later reported that the decision to divert was unavoidable because the engine failure made it impossible to complete the original route.
Airline Responds and Passengers Sheltered
Following the scare, Condor Airlines issued an apology, stressing that “passenger safety is our top priority at any given time.”
Travelers were taken to a hotel in Brindisi where they spent the night before being scheduled to continue their journey to Düsseldorf the next day.
Another Recent Emergency Landing Raises Concerns
This incident comes shortly after another dramatic emergency landing earlier this month at Birmingham Airport in the UK.
A Beech B200 Super King Air aircraft, en route to Belfast, had to make a risky landing without fully extending its landing gear.
Witnesses said the plane declared an emergency while flying over Tamworth, then circled back to Birmingham.
After an aborted first attempt, the pilot tried a “long go-around” before finally bringing the aircraft down.
The landing forced the airport to halt all flights temporarily, and three people onboard needed medical attention—though only one suffered minor injuries.
Aviation Safety Back in the Spotlight
While both incidents ended without serious casualties, they have once again raised questions about aircraft safety and emergency procedures.
For passengers, the experience was undoubtedly harrowing, but for airlines, it serves as a reminder of just how critical quick decisions and safety measures are when something goes wrong in the air.
