Ryanair Passengers Safely Evacuated After Engine Fire at Brindisi Airport

A Ryanair Boeing 737-800, operating flight FR8826 from Brindisi, Italy, to Turin, was evacuated after one of its engines caught fire during takeoff. The incident occurred on the morning of October 3, 2024, when flames were spotted coming from the aircraft’s right engine as it began its takeoff roll. Quick action by the crew led to the safe evacuation of all 184 passengers and crew, with no injuries reported.

The flight crew aborted takeoff after cabin crew noticed fumes emanating from the engine. Emergency slides were deployed, and passengers exited the plane safely. Emergency responders at Brindisi’s Salento Airport quickly arrived to extinguish the fire. The airport was temporarily closed while the situation was managed.

A replacement aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8-200, was brought in to operate the flight later that day, departing at 13:39 local time with a delay of over five hours.

Passengers Grabbing Bags

Footage captured by passengers showed some individuals grabbing their carry-on bags during the evacuation, a practice that is highly discouraged during emergencies, as it can hinder the safe exit of others. Similar actions during past aviation incidents, such as Aeroflot Flight 1492, have tragically led to unnecessary delays and loss of life.

Investigation Underway

Ryanair has launched an investigation into the cause of the engine fire. The Boeing 737-800 involved in the incident, registered as 9H-QCB, is a relatively young aircraft, having been in service since 2016. It had completed the same Brindisi to Turin route the day before without any reported issues.

This incident marks a challenging week for Ryanair in Italy, following a tire blowout on another aircraft at Milan Bergamo Airport earlier in the week.