Boeing 737 Becomes 'Furnace' as AC Fails, Sparking Panic on SunExpress Flight

Panic erupted on a SunExpress flight from Frankfurt to Antalya when a critical air conditioning failure turned the Boeing 737 into an oven, trapping passengers in sweltering conditions for hours. The incident occurred on Sunday as the plane sat on the tarmac at Frankfurt Airport, with the interior temperature soaring to an alarming 56 degrees Celsius.

Passengers aboard flight XQ147 described feeling like "prisoners" as they were held inside the aircraft for over two hours without functioning air conditioning. Compounded by the external temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, the intense heat led to several passengers experiencing fainting spells and panic attacks. Many resorted to calling emergency services, fearing for their lives.

Images shared on social media depicted distressed passengers desperately trying to cool themselves with paper or clothing, their faces flushed red from the heat. The situation escalated to the point where emergency services, firefighters, and police were mobilized to the scene. Some passengers were eventually able to disembark and receive first aid.

One passenger recounted the harrowing experience to German media outlet RTL, stating, "We were kept on the plane for more than two hours before takeoff, without air conditioning, in 56-degree heat. Children and babies were fainting, passengers were having panic attacks. Only after several calls to the police did they finally let us out."

SunExpress acknowledged a technical malfunction in the auxiliary power unit, which affected the air conditioning system. The airline stated that rescue crews responded after passengers complained of feeling unwell. The flight, originally scheduled to depart at 1:55 p.m., was significantly delayed, eventually departing several hours later after the situation was resolved.

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We were kept on the plane for more than two hours before takeoff, without air conditioning, in 56-degree heat. Children and babies were fainting, passengers were having panic attacks. Only after several calls to the police did they finally let us out.