Ryanair ensures safety amid turbulent landing and taxi mishap
Dubai: A Ryanair Boeing 737 operating as Flight FR6080 from London Stansted to Kalamata International Airport in Greece struck a perimeter barrier while taxiing after landing, causing substantial damage to the aircraft's wing on Wednesday. All passengers and crew remained unharmed throughout the incident.
The flight encountered significant turbulence during its approach to Kalamata International Airport. Passengers reported that the turbulence was particularly severe during the descent phase, with many noting that no advance warning or seatbelt instruction was given before the rough conditions began. The flight crew informed passengers to prepare for a challenging landing due to the weather conditions.
After successfully touching down on the runway, the aircraft was proceeding to its designated parking position when the wing made contact with a red and white airport perimeter fence. The impact caused considerable damage to the wingtip area, creating visible structural damage that was apparent to passengers looking out the windows.
Following the collision, passengers remained seated inside the aircraft as instructed by the cabin crew while airport emergency services responded to assess the situation. Some passengers expressed concern about the delay in evacuation, particularly given the visible wing damage and their proximity to fuel systems. The crew maintained safety protocols by keeping everyone aboard until emergency responders could evaluate any potential risks, including fire hazards.
Airport emergency teams arrived quickly to inspect the aircraft and determine whether immediate evacuation was necessary. After their assessment confirmed there was no immediate danger, passengers were allowed to disembark through normal procedures rather than emergency slides.
Ryanair issued a statement explaining that the wing contact occurred during the routine taxiing process and that the aircraft completed its taxi to the gate safely. The airline emphasized that passenger safety was never compromised and that all standard safety procedures were followed throughout the incident.
The damaged Boeing 737 was immediately taken out of service for a comprehensive maintenance inspection as required by aviation regulations. Ryanair's technical team conducted thorough checks of all systems, with particular attention to the wing structure and fuel systems. After completing necessary repairs and receiving regulatory clearance, the aircraft was returned to active service.
The airline confirmed that the repaired aircraft subsequently operated its scheduled return flight to London Stansted without any issues. Ryanair stated that the incident did not cause disruptions to their broader flight schedule, as they were able to accommodate passengers and maintain their operational commitments.
While no official aviation authority investigation has been announced, the incident has generated discussion on social media platforms where passengers shared their experiences and photographs of the damage. These accounts have sparked conversations about airport ground safety procedures and how airlines manage severe weather conditions during approach and landing phases.
The incident highlights the challenges that aircraft face when operating in adverse weather conditions and the importance of maintaining strict safety protocols during all phases of flight operations, including ground movements at airports.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox