Passenger partly sucked from Ryanair plane during flight

A Ryanair flight bound for Germany made an emergency return to Thessaloniki, Greece, on Friday after a passenger window shattered shortly after departure. The incident saw a passenger partially sucked out of the aircraft, prompting a dramatic rescue by fellow travelers.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang and seeing oxygen masks deploy before the window pane broke. The passenger, identified by Greek media as a Serbian tourist, was seated next to the damaged window. His seatbelt reportedly prevented him from being pulled further out, aiding in his rescue by other passengers and his wife, who managed to drag him back inside.

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His head and shoulders were sticking out of the broken window.

Ryanair confirmed the aircraft returned to Thessaloniki due to a "passenger window became dislodged." The airline stated the plane landed normally and the affected passenger received medical attention. The passenger sustained abrasions but was reported to be in good condition.

Greek media and Reuters sources suggest the incident may have been caused by a piece of an engine breaking off and striking the window while the plane was over North Macedonia. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, had experienced a diversion the previous day for an unknown reason. An investigation into the cause of the window failure has been opened.

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a passenger window became dislodged during the flight.