Tension unfolded on Friday, July 10, during a Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany, when a window suddenly detached shortly after takeoff. The cabin rapidly lost pressure, and a 61-year-old Serbian passenger was partially sucked out of the aircraft, saved only by his seatbelt.

According to eyewitness accounts, a loud bang was heard moments after takeoff, followed by oxygen masks dropping as the cabin depressurized. The man, seated next to the affected window, was pulled out up to his shoulders. His wife and fellow passengers held onto him tightly while the crew initiated an emergency descent back to the airport.

Ryanair confirmed that flight FR1879 landed safely, and all passengers were escorted back to the terminal. The injured passenger received medical attention and was hospitalized. Health authorities reported he suffered friction burns and injuries consistent with exposure to the intense airflow but remains stable and conscious.

An official investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the window’s detachment. This incident highlights the critical importance of safety measures like seatbelts and rapid crew response during in-flight emergencies.