A frightening mid-air emergency unfolded when a Condor Boeing 757 departing from Corfu, Greece, encountered engine trouble and was forced to make an emergency landing in Brindisi, Italy, just 40 minutes after takeoff on August 16, 2025. Passengers reported seeing flames shooting from the engine, sparking panic and leading some to send desperate farewell messages to loved ones.
The aircraft had climbed to 36,000 feet en route to Düsseldorf, Germany, when a turbine airflow disturbance occurred, according to German broadcaster WDR. Videos shared on social media captured flames sputtering from the engine and loud booming noises during descent, further intensifying fear both on board and among onlookers on the ground.
Several passengers described the ordeal as terrifying. One told Bild that the plane suddenly lost power for a few seconds and stopped ascending. Another said the situation was so traumatic they were convinced it was the end, prompting them to send frantic messages to their families.
A Condor Airlines spokesperson later clarified that the engine itself had not caught fire, but rather experienced a reaction at the back of the engine that caused abnormal readings. As a safety precaution, the pilots diverted to the nearest suitable airport. The airline stressed that passengers and crew were never in real danger.
After landing, passengers were left stranded overnight in Brindisi. With limited hotel availability, many were not accommodated, though the airline distributed blankets, vouchers, and kept some airport shops open for essentials. Those who paid for alternative lodging were told they could seek reimbursement.
Condor issued an apology for the disruption, emphasizing once again that passenger safety remains their top priority. The affected aircraft is currently undergoing a technical inspection to determine the precise cause of the engine malfunction.