Boeing bursts into flames on Corfu take-off as passengers send 'final texts'

Stunned holidaymakers have described the horror moment a jet engine began erupting fire moments after take-off.

Around 300 people on board a Condor Airlines Boeing 757-300 were left reeling on Saturday night when the plane's right engine started emitting large flames and smoke shortly after leaving Corfu in Greece, with video footage capturing a spluttering fire visible from the ground. Passengers have since revealed how they began sending 'final messages' to their loved ones as smoke rose in front of their windows, fearing they were about to crash.

Flight tracking information shows the plane making a dramatic U-turn before it made an emergency landing in Brindisi, Italy.

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Those on board faced more misery upon landing when they discovered there was not enough capacity at hotels around the airport, meaning some were forced to sleep on the floor of the terminal.

Recounting her experience, one passenger told German newspaper Bild: "I sent goodbye messages thinking it was over. It was a horrible experience."

"Suddenly, we heard a loud noise, then flames shot out of the engine. It was very scary."

Another described hearing a "loud clicking noise".

Condor Airlines, who operated the flight, have said that there was no risk to passengers during the incident.

The airline also denied that an engine explosion had taken place, saying that the fire resulted from a "disturbance in air flow" to the jet, which caused a normal reaction in the combustion chamber to become more visible.

A Condor spokesperson told the Mirror: "Flight DE3665 from Corfu (CFU) to Dusseldorf (DUS) diverted to Brindisi (BDS) on 16 August 2025.

"The reason was a parameter indication outside the normal range caused by a disturbance in the air flow supply to the engine. Due to the fault message, it was precautionarily decided to divert to Brindisi.

"This posed no danger to the guests or crew members at any time. The aircraft landed around 8:15 p.m. at Brindisi Airport, and all 273 guests as well as the eight crew members disembarked the aircraft normally. Another Condor aircraft was dispatched to carry all guests to Dusseldorf on August 17th, 2025.

"Unfortunately, there was insufficient hotel capacity in Brindisi, meaning that not all guests could be accommodated in hotels. Additional vouchers and blankets were organised at the airport, and a few shops were allowed to remain open to provide supplies. Passengers who took advantage of alternative accommodation options can submit their expenses for reimbursement.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but the safety of our passengers and employees is always our top priority.”