Ryanair flight FR1879, operated by Malta Air, departed Thessaloniki, Greece, for Memmingen, Germany, on 10 July 2026. During the climb, an engine-related emergency damaged the aircraft’s right engine and shattered a cabin window, prompting the crew to turn back. The Boeing 737-800, powered by CFM56 engines, was at about 20,000 feet when passengers heard a loud explosive sound and debris struck the window beside a passenger seated in row 11.
Ljubisa Karovi was pulled partly toward the opening as his wife, Svetlana Grkovi, and nearby passengers struggled to pull him back inside. His seatbelt kept him from being fully expelled. The cabin rapidly depressurized, and oxygen masks deployed automatically. The aircraft landed safely in Thessaloniki after the crew changed course.
Karovi was hospitalized in Greece. Reports described a neck injury and abrasions, along with burns and trauma to his hand; he was also reported to be in shock. Grkovi thanked the passengers who helped rescue her husband and said she hoped to thank them personally. A pregnant passenger was examined as a precaution. Both patients were reported to be in stable condition after medical assessment.
Passengers described confusion and fear in the cabin, with some initially thinking an emergency exit had been opened by mistake. The aircraft was reportedly flying over North Macedonia when the incident occurred. Engine damage led to a broken window, cabin decompression and an emergency return. The aircraft did not crash. Investigators have not determined the precise mechanical failure or established whether the part involved was a fan blade or another engine component.
The Hellenic Air Accident Investigation and Aviation Safety Board (HARSIA) is investigating the engine failure and window damage, with support from Boeing, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The crew returned the aircraft to Thessaloniki, and Ryanair arranged for passengers to continue to Memmingen on another flight. Malta Air is part of Ryanair Holdings, alongside Ryanair, Buzz, Lauda and Ryanair UK.
The incident has renewed attention to aircraft emergency procedures and the role of seatbelts during unexpected turbulence or structural damage. Karovi remained attached to his seat by his belt while his wife and other passengers pulled him back into the cabin. The episode also drew attention to wider public-safety coverage, including coverage of major event preparations.
Investigators are examining the incident as passengers focus on recovery and onward travel. Their findings may inform future assessments of aircraft safety and emergency response.
