Flames pictured coming from the Ryanair plane - just as it was about to take off
(Image: Mirror)

Ryanair plane catches fire as nearly 200 passengers rushed off flight

03 Oct 2024, 10:52 by Ashlie Blakey · Manchester Evening News

Passengers were forced to evacuate a Ryanair flight after the plane caught fire.

The plane was due to take off from Brindisi Airport in Italy today (October 3) when flames were spotted coming from the aircraft's engine, the Mirror reports. Cabin crew alerted firefighters and the flight's departure was aborted.

The 184 passengers onboard had to be evacuated, with the emergency slide was used to get them down onto the ground to safety. No significant injuries were reported.

The airport has now had to close due to the emergency. Ryanair apologised to passengers, as the airline confirmed all passengers were 'disembarked without incident'.

A spokesperson for the airport said: "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.

Passengers had to use the emergency slide on the plane
(Image: Mirror)

"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."

A Ryanair spokesperson said: "Flight FR8826 from Brindisi to Turin (3 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.

Firefighters were called to the incident
(Image: Mirror)

"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 and British Airways are among several airlines which use Brindisi airport, which typically caters for more than three million passengers every year. It is understood the Ryanair plane, flight FR8826, was due to leave Brindisi for Turin, a city in the northwest of Italy.