Eyewitnesses and passengers are still shaken after a flight from Corfu to Düsseldorf narrowly avoided disaster.
Questions are swirling: was the engine issue merely a technical fault, or could it have stemmed from an undetected mechanical problem lurking for months? Several travelers reported seeing sparks and flames from the engine just moments before the pilots were forced into an emergency landing, sparking doubts about whether standard pre-flight checks were enough.
The sudden loss of power and the precision with which the aircraft descended have led many to wonder if this incident was more than an ordinary malfunction.
The frightening experience prompted one passenger to send “goodbye” messages to loved ones in anticipation of the worst.
Video footage shows flames appearing to erupt from the engine of the Condor Boeing 757 shortly after takeoff from the Greek island of Corfu. According to German broadcaster WDR, the aircraft had reached 36,000 feet when a disruption in turbine airflow occurred. Originally scheduled to fly to Düsseldorf, the plane was diverted to Brindisi Airport in Italy, landing safely only 40 minutes after takeoff.
Passengers recounted the tense moments aboard the flight. One told Bild, “Suddenly, the power dropped for a few seconds, and we realized we were no longer climbing.”
Another described the situation as “incredibly frightening,” adding, “I even sent goodbye messages because I thought it was over.”
A TikTok video from a ground witness shows the plane descending with what appeared to be flames coming from the engine, accompanied by loud booms as it neared the runway.
Condor later clarified that the engine itself was not on fire. A spokesperson explained, “Flight DE3665 from Corfu to Düsseldorf was diverted to Brindisi on 16 August 2025 due to a parameter reading outside the normal range, caused by a disturbance in the engine’s airflow. The diversion was purely precautionary and at no time was the safety of passengers or crew at risk.”
Passengers were flown to Düsseldorf the following day on a replacement aircraft.
Limited hotel capacity in Brindisi meant not all travelers were able to be accommodated overnight, though the airline provided vouchers, blankets, and access to airport shops for essentials. The spokesperson added that expenses for alternative accommodations could be reimbursed and reiterated that passenger and crew safety is the company’s top priority.
The Boeing 757 is currently undergoing a comprehensive technical inspection to ensure it is fully operational for future flights.
Ultimately, what began as a routine journey turned into a nerve-wracking ordeal that tested the composure of all on board. While everyone landed safely, the emotional impact—witnessing flames and fearing for their lives—will remain with passengers long after the incident. The episode highlights the unpredictable nature of aviation emergencies and underscores the importance of strict safety protocols and the professionalism required to handle crises at high altitudes.