Breaking News | Ryanair Passenger Nearly Sucked Out After Mid-Flight Window Failure

On July 10, a window shattered on a Thessaloniki–Memmingen flight approximately 6 minutes after takeoff at 15,000 feet. Passenger Ljubisa Karović, 61, was pulled chest-up through the opening by rapid depressurization, remaining half in and half out for up to 2 minutes before fellow passengers hauled him back inside. The aircraft descended to 6,000 feet and returned to Thessaloniki after about an hour.

Karović's wife and lawyer allege cabin crew provided no assistance during the emergency - that passengers alone secured him and blocked the window with a suitcase. Ryanair disputes this, stating crew followed oxygen mask protocols during depressurization and attended to Karović once the aircraft reached safe altitude. CEO Michael O'Leary told analysts preliminary findings suggest foreign object damage to the engine caused debris to strike the window.

Karović was hospitalized with neck and shoulder injuries plus friction burns. He must wear a neck brace for 6 weeks minimum; doctors will then determine if surgery is required. The NTSB assumed lead investigation on July 16 after Greece delegated the probe; a draft report is expected in approximately 28 days.

• NTSB draft report due approximately August 15 - will clarify foreign object source and crew adherence to emergency protocols.

• Compensation claim from Karović's legal team - disputed crew response and lack of post-incident outreach from airline may escalate liability exposure.

• Broader Boeing 737 fleet inspections if foreign object damage stems from manufacturing or maintenance defect rather than external debris.