BRINDISI- A Ryanair (FR) Boeing 737 operated flight FR8826 caught fire at Brindisi Airport (BDS) in southern Italy on Thursday (October 3, 2024), forcing the evacuation of over 180 passengers and crew.
The incident occurred as the plane was taxiing for takeoff, bound for Turin (TRN). Airport officials confirmed the fire, which halted air traffic for several hours.
Ryanair Plane Catches Fire
Ryanair stated to CNN that all 184 passengers and crew were safely evacuated on the runway. The airline reported that cabin crew had observed fumes outside the aircraft, leading to the evacuation. Passengers were transported back to the terminal by bus.
The fire was caused due to issues with right side engines. All Ryanair aircraft are powered by CFM engines.
The airport reopened approximately three hours later, according to its website. Ryanair replaced the affected aircraft, allowing passengers to continue their journey to Turin.
The aircraft involved in the incident was Boeing 737-800. While the aircraft which replaced it for continued service is Boeing 737 MAX 8-200, registered as 9H-VUW.
Similar Incidents
This event follows a separate incident involving another Ryanair aircraft just two days earlier.
On Tuesday (October 1, 2024), a Ryanair flight from Barcelona (BCN) experienced a tire blowout upon landing at Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), leading to a temporary closure of the facility. Passengers disembarked normally, and engineers inspected the aircraft for servicing.
Similarly, a Ryanair Boeing 737 experienced a dramatic engine flameout at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) on Monday, August 26. The incident occurred as the aircraft prepared for takeoff to Milan (BGY).
A plane spotter captured footage of the moment when flames erupted from the aircraft’s engine. The cause of the flameout appears to be a bird strike.
The aircraft involved was identified as a Boeing 737 with the registration EI-EMH.
Under Investigation
Italian lawmakers demand an inquiry into Ryanair’s safety record following multiple incidents. Andrea Caroppo and Mauro D’Attis, deputies from the Forza Italia party, called for a senate hearing with the National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC).
Caroppo, vice president of the Transport Commission in Italy’s lower house of parliament, along with D’Attis and two other party members, issued a statement highlighting the recent accident at Brindisi airport. They emphasized the need for an urgent hearing in the Transport Commission, focusing on the safety of Ryanair flights.
The lawmakers cited several previous incidents involving Ryanair aircraft. In May, a flight from Bari to London had to turn back due to technical problems. Another flight in the same month, departing from Bologna to Brussels, made an emergency landing in Luxembourg because of an onboard fire.
These events have raised concerns about Ryanair’s safety practices, particularly given its position as Italy’s leading carrier in passenger traffic. The call for an investigation reflects growing apprehension about the airline’s operational standards and the potential risks to passenger safety.
The proposed hearing with ENAC leaders aims to scrutinize Ryanair’s safety protocols and address the recurring issues plaguing the airline’s operations. This move underscores the Italian government’s commitment to ensuring air travel safety and holding airlines accountable for maintaining high safety standards.
The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for Ryanair’s operations in Italy and potentially lead to stricter oversight of the airline industry.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
The post Ryanair Boeing 737 Plane Catches Fire at Brindisi Airport in Italy appeared first on Aviation A2Z.