A Condor Airlines flight turned into a terrifying ordeal for hundreds of passengers after one of the aircraft’s engines erupted in flames shortly after takeoff, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in southern Italy and leaving many onboard convinced they were living their final moments. The Boeing 757, carrying 273 passengers and eight crew members, had departed from Corfu, Greece, bound for Düsseldorf, Germany, on Saturday evening when it experienced what officials later described as a turbine airflow disruption at an altitude of roughly 36,000 feet.
Around 8 p.m. local time, travelers on Flight DE 3665 began to notice bursts of fire coming from the right wing of the plane, sparking chaos, panic, and even desperate farewell messages to loved ones. According to reports, the cabin atmosphere shifted from confusion to fear in an instant, with one passenger telling German outlet Bild that the plane lost power for a few seconds and it became clear the aircraft was no longer climbing. Another described the sheer terror of the moment, admitting they sent “goodbye texts” because they were certain it was all over. The frightening scene lasted for what felt like an eternity until the pilots successfully diverted the flight to Brindisi Airport in southern Italy. Just 40 minutes after takeoff, at approximately 8:15 p.m., the plane landed safely, according to data from FlightRadar24.
Relief swept through the cabin as the aircraft touched down without further complications, but the passengers’ ordeal was far from finished. Condor Airlines later explained the cause of the emergency, saying the problem stemmed from a chemical reaction inside the engine’s combustion chamber. The company added that while the flames were visible and understandably alarming to passengers, there was never an actual risk to the safety of those onboard. Still, the immediate aftermath was chaotic. Videos quickly began circulating on social media, some showing the right engine emitting bursts of fire at intervals, accompanied by loud booms.
One TikTok video captured by a bystander in Italy showed the aircraft streaking across the evening sky with flashes of fire, with the caption describing the surreal moment of watching “a plane literally fighting fire in front of me.” Other clips taken from inside the cabin revealed the fear on passengers’ faces as they stared at the flames outside their windows. After landing, passengers and crew were escorted off the aircraft and faced an unexpected overnight stay in Brindisi. While Condor arranged hotel accommodations for some travelers, the airline admitted that limited hotel capacity in the area meant not everyone could be placed in a room.
Those who couldn’t secure a hotel stay were given vouchers, blankets, and access to shops at the airport that were kept open late to provide supplies. Passengers who sought out their own accommodations were told they could submit their expenses for reimbursement. In its official statement, Condor emphasized that no one onboard was ever in actual danger. The airline explained the decision to divert the aircraft was purely precautionary after a parameter indicator showed abnormal readings related to the engine’s airflow supply. “Due to the fault message, it was precautionarily decided to divert to Brindisi,” the statement read, noting that the landing was conducted smoothly and all passengers disembarked normally. Nevertheless, the incident left many shaken, with several describing it as the most horrifying experience of their lives.
For some, the memory of sending what they believed were final messages to loved ones will linger long after the flight. By the next morning, a replacement aircraft had arrived to transport the passengers to Düsseldorf, finally completing their journey nearly a day later than planned. Meanwhile, the Boeing 757 involved in the incident remains grounded and is undergoing a full technical inspection to determine the exact details of the malfunction. Although the airline maintains the situation was under control, the sight of flames shooting from an engine mid-flight is not something passengers are likely to forget. The incident has also added to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Boeing, which has faced increased criticism in recent years over safety concerns and mechanical failures.
For those who lived through the ordeal, the assurances that they were never truly in danger may bring little comfort compared to the reality of the fear they felt in those moments high above the ground. What remains clear is that while the pilots and crew managed the emergency with professionalism and composure, the line between perceived catastrophe and a safe outcome was razor thin for those watching flames lick the side of the aircraft. Though the airline insists safety was never compromised, for the passengers who clutched their phones and typed out what they thought were final words, it is an experience they will never forget.
