Ryanair Flight from UK Crashes into Barrier at Greek Airport

KALAMATA, Greece — A Ryanair Boeing 737 operating as Flight FR6080 from London Stansted to Kalamata International Airport collided with a barrier while taxiing on the runway Thursday, June 19, 2025, after a flight marked by severe turbulence, according to airport officials and passenger accounts. The incident left the aircraft’s wing significantly damaged, sparking concerns among passengers and prompting an immediate response from emergency services.

The flight, which departed London Stansted on Wednesday morning, encountered turbulent conditions en route to the popular Greek holiday destination. A Ryanair spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft, carrying 179 passengers and six crew members, landed safely despite the challenging conditions. However, during taxiing, the plane’s wingtip struck a red-and-white barrier at the runway’s end, causing a loud impact felt throughout the cabin.

“There was severe turbulence during the flight, but it managed to land on the runway at Kalamata,” a source told The Sun. “The crew warned it would be a bumpy landing, but while taxiing toward the barrier, the plane turned, and everyone heard this loud banging sound. You could feel the impact.”

Passenger accounts described a moment of panic as the collision occurred. “I’ve never been scared like that before,” one passenger told BILD. “It felt like the plane might break apart.” Another passenger noted confusion over the lack of a seatbelt signal during the turbulent flight, raising questions about onboard safety protocols.

Emergency services, including fire crews, rushed to the scene to assess the situation. All passengers remained onboard until the aircraft was deemed safe, with no immediate evacuation ordered—a decision that surprised some passengers given the visible damage to the wing. No injuries were reported, and Ryanair arranged for passengers to disembark and continue their journeys, though details on alternative travel arrangements remain limited.

The incident has drawn attention to the Boeing 737’s safety record, particularly in light of recent turbulence-related incidents involving the model. On June 4, 2025, another Ryanair Boeing 737 MAX 8 made an emergency landing in Memmingen, Germany, after severe turbulence injured nine passengers, including a toddler. Aviation experts are now questioning whether weather-related challenges or operational factors contributed to Thursday’s crash.

Ryanair issued a statement acknowledging the incident, noting that “Flight FR6080 landed safely, but as it was taxiing, the wingtip came in contact with a fence.” The airline is cooperating with local authorities and the Greek Aviation Authority, which has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Preliminary reports suggest that the severe turbulence may have affected the aircraft’s handling, though the exact circumstances of the taxiing mishap remain under scrutiny.

Kalamata International Airport, the 16th busiest in Greece, serves nearly 300,000 passengers annually and is a key gateway for tourists visiting the Peloponnese region. The incident caused temporary disruptions, with officials working to clear the runway and restore normal operations.

As investigations continue, the damaged Boeing 737 remains grounded, awaiting inspection and repairs. The event adds to a challenging period for Ryanair and Boeing, with the budget carrier recently threatening to cancel a $30 billion order for 330 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft due to tariff-related price hikes. For now, passengers and aviation watchdogs alike are left seeking answers about the safety and reliability of one of Europe’s most widely used aircraft.

17GEN4.com

17GEN4 news