Ryanair passengers evacuated on emergency slides as plane catches fire on runway

The Ryanair flight was ready for take-off when flames came from the engine

Almost 200 Ryanair passengers faced an alarming evacuation today as their plane caught fire just before take-off. The incident unfolded at Brindisi Airport in Italy, when flames were spotted emerging from the engine of the Ryanair flight.

Firefighters quickly reached the scene, leading to the cancellation of the flight's departure and the use of emergency slides to evacuate 184 passengers. Consequently, the airport situated in southern Italy has been temporarily shut down.

An airport spokesperson stated: "Aeroporti di Puglia announces that due to a problem with a departing aircraft, it was necessary to close the Salento Airport in Brindisi. The problem, which occurred when the aircraft was already aligned at the head for take-off, required the evacuation of passengers via emergency slides."

"All operations were carried out with maximum safety for passengers and crew. The passengers are already at the airport where they are being assisted by Aeroporti di Puglia personnel. The company's technicians are working on the interventions within their competence and necessary so that Aeroporti di Puglia can proceed with the subsequent checks on the usability of the runway and proceed with the reopening of the airport."

Upon noticing fumes from outside the aircraft, cabin crew swiftly implemented emergency procedures. Fortunately, no significant injuries have been reported, reports the Mirror.

A spokesperson for Ryanair commented: "Flight FR8826 from Brindisi to Turin (3rd Oct) was delayed this morning after cabin crew observed fumes on the outside of the aircraft. Passengers were disembarked without incident and returned to the terminal by bus. We sincerely apologise to affected passengers for this delay, and a spare aircraft will operate Flight FR8826 from Brindisi to Turin later this morning."

Ryanair, along with British Airways, is one of several carriers that utilise the airport, which usually serves over three million passengers annually. The Ryanair aircraft in question, flight FR8826, was scheduled to depart from Brindisi to Turin, located in Italy's northwest.

The incident follows a recent event where a Ryanair plane experienced a tyre blowout on all four wheels upon landing at Bergamo's Orio al Serio Airport, close to Milan, on Tuesday. Dramatic images revealed the aircraft stripped of its tyres, showing worn metal wheels after skidding on the runway.

As a consequence of the mishap, both arrivals and departures were halted at the airport. Witnesses on another flight reported their pilot attributed the occurrence to a "bad landing", although neither the airline nor the airport authorities have confirmed this.