Exclusive images reveal devastating damage to Boeing 737 after runway collision at Greek holiday hotspot
Horrified British holidaymakers watched in terror as their Ryanair flight smashed into a barrier after landing at a popular Greek airport – with the impact tearing the aircraft’s wing apart while passengers remained trapped inside.
The Boeing 737, carrying dozens of petrified tourists from London Stansted to Kalamata International Airport, had already endured “severe turbulence” during Wednesday morning’s flight before disaster struck on the ground.
Passengers described hearing a “loud banging sound” as Flight FR6080 collided with a barrier while taxiing down the runway, leaving travellers stunned and fearful for their lives.
Wing ‘torn apart’ by impact
Shocking images obtained by The Sun reveal the extensive damage inflicted on the budget airline’s aircraft, with the wing “torn apart by the tough barrier” in scenes that left passengers questioning why they weren’t immediately evacuated.
Emergency services rushed to the scene within minutes of the collision, but in a decision that left travellers “baffled”, crew members instructed everyone to remain seated inside the damaged aircraft despite obvious fire risks.
A source on board the ill-fated flight told The Sun: “There was an announcement that everyone had to wait on the plane for the fire brigade.
‘Why wouldn’t you evacuate?’
The terrifying ordeal began even before touchdown, with passengers enduring severe turbulence throughout the journey from London. Crew members had warned it would be “a bumpy landing” – but nothing could have prepared those on board for what happened next.
“While it was taxi-ing down the runway towards the red and white barrier at the end, the plane turned and everyone heard this loud banging sound,” the source revealed.
“You could feel the impact.”
What followed was a tense standoff as passengers – many already shaken from the turbulent flight – were forced to remain aboard the damaged aircraft while emergency crews assessed the situation.
Passengers left ‘scared’ and confused
The decision to keep passengers on board sparked immediate concern among travellers, with one witness questioning the airline’s safety protocols.
“With the wing damaged the way it was, why wouldn’t you evacuate the plane first?” the source asked. Everyone was scared – it was the fact they said wait on the plane even though there was clearly a risk of fire.”
Adding to passengers’ anxiety, the source noted there had already been concerns during the flight, saying there was “talk about how weird it was that there was no signal for seatbelts while there was turbulence” on the descent.
Holiday destination turned disaster zone
Kalamata International Airport, a key gateway for British tourists heading to the picturesque Peloponnese region of Greece, has become increasingly popular with budget carriers. The airport handles roughly 175 flights arriving every month, with Ryanair operating regular services from London Stansted during the summer season.
The route, which typically takes 3 hours and 20 minutes, is a favourite among British holidaymakers seeking sun-soaked Greek getaways. However, Wednesday’s incident has raised serious questions about safety procedures both in the air and on the ground.
Investigation launched
While the full circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, the incident adds to growing concerns about aviation safety following several high-profile accidents in recent months.
The dramatic images of the torn wing serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers facing air travellers, even after what appears to be a successful landing.
Ryanair has been contacted for comment regarding the incident and the decision to keep passengers aboard the damaged aircraft.
What we know so far:
- Flight FR6080 departed London Stansted on Wednesday morning bound for Kalamata
- The Boeing 737 experienced severe turbulence during the flight
- The aircraft collided with a barrier while taxiing after landing
- Passengers heard a “loud banging sound” and felt the impact
- The wing was “torn apart” by the collision
- Emergency services responded but passengers were kept on board
- Travellers expressed concern about fire risks from the damaged wing
- The incident occurred at Kalamata International Airport in Greece
This is a developing story. More to follow…
