US transport safety board challenges Ryanair claims over incident on Greece-Germany flight

A 61-year-old Serbian man described his harrowing experience of being partially sucked out of an airplane window mid-flight as “God saving me.” Ljubisa Karovic, who was injured during a mid-air emergency on a Ryanair-operated flight from Greece to Germany, recounted how he remained conscious despite passing out several times while partially exposed to the elements. The incident occurred on July 10, shortly after takeoff from Thessaloniki, northern Greece, en route to Memmingen, Germany. The flight was operated by Malta Air, a subsidiary of Ryanair. Karovic, seated near the left side of the plane, was caught in the sudden rupture of the window beside his seat. According to his account, he was pulled partially through the opening and remained outside the aircraft for approximately 90 to 120 seconds before being pulled back inside by passengers and crew. Karovic suffered multiple injuries, including damage to his neck, head, and torso. He was hospitalized following the incident and continues to experience symptoms such as headaches and difficulty sleeping. His wife, who sat next to him, and another woman in the row behind him helped keep him from being fully ejected. Karovic admitted he could not panic during the ordeal, stating he lost consciousness three times. His lawyer, Vassilis Tsiaras, confirmed that Karovic’s condition remains serious and that the family is considering legal action against the airline. Tsiaras noted that Ryanair has only sent an automated email to the passenger’s son, who booked the tickets, and no direct contact has been made with Karovic himself or his family. The airline has yet to visit him in the hospital, according to the attorney. An investigation into the cause of the window rupture is currently ongoing. Officials have not yet released details regarding the technical failure or whether maintenance issues played a role. However, the incident has raised concerns about safety protocols on commercial flights, particularly concerning cabin pressure and structural integrity. Passengers on board the flight were reportedly shocked by the suddenness of the event. Some described hearing a loud noise followed by a rush of air, which quickly led to the window breaking. Crew members acted swiftly to secure the area and assist Karovic back into the cabin. Emergency services were called upon once the plane landed safely in Germany. Ryanair has not issued a formal statement regarding the incident, though its subsidiary Malta Air is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The airline has previously faced scrutiny over safety practices, including reports of faulty cabin doors and other mechanical failures. This latest incident adds to growing concerns among regulators and travelers alike. As the investigation unfolds, Karovic’s family remains hopeful for justice and transparency. They plan to pursue legal recourse to hold the airline accountable for the trauma and medical expenses incurred. Meanwhile, aviation authorities are expected to review the incident to determine if additional safety measures are needed to prevent similar occurrences in the future.