[aviation news]
On July 5, 2025, a Ryanair flight bound for Manchester turned chaotic at Palma de Mallorca Airport when a false fire warning sparked a frantic emergency evacuation.
The incident, involving flight RK3446, a Boeing 737-800, left 18 passengers injured and highlighted the challenges of managing panic in high-stress situations.
Shortly after midnight, around 00:35 CEST, the aircraft, still on the ground, registered a false fire warning light. This triggered an immediate evacuation, with passengers disembarking via inflatable emergency slides.
Emergency Evacuation Palma de Mallorca
Some reportedly used overwing exits; disembarking over the aircraft’s wings and jumping to the tarmac, as captured in social media footage.
The scene was described as disorganized, with passengers reporting confusion among the cabin crew, according to Manchester Evening News.
According to the report, Savanah, a 26-year-old from Manchester said her 57-year-old mother broke her ankle and required surgery. Meanwhile, another friend sustained injuries including a fractured foot, elbow and wrist.
She stated that one flight attendant had shouted “Get off,” while another appeared overwhelmed, amplifying the chaos. The evacuation resulted in 18 minor injuries, including ankle sprains, bruises, and a few fractures.
Six passengers required hospital treatment—three at Clinica Rotger and three at Palmaplanas Hospital—while others received on-site care.
Emergency services, including four ambulances, airport firefighters, and the Guardia Civil, responded swiftly after being alerted at 00:36, stabilizing the situation.
Ryanair confirmed no fire or flames were present, emphasizing the evacuation was precautionary. The airline mustered a replacement aircraft to complete the scheduled service to Manchester. This departed at 07:05 local time, eight hours after the original 23:00 schedule.
The affected Boeing 737-800, a 15-year-old narrowbody aircraft, registered G-RUKN, remained grounded for inspection 36 hours later. The aircraft had completed the scheduled rotation form Manchester earlier that evening.
Airport operations resumed without further disruption, but the incident sparked questions about passenger behaviour and crew preparedness during emergencies.
Conclusion
Ryanair confirmed the incident in a subsequent statement: “A flight from Palma to Manchester discontinued take-off due to a false fire warning light indication. Passengers were disembarked using the inflatable slides and returned to the terminal.”
“While disembarking, a small number of passengers encountered very minor injuries (ankle sprains, etc.) and crew requested immediate medical assistance. We sincerely apologise to affected passengers for any inconvenience caused.”
Spanish aviation authorities are now investigating the malfunction and subsequent evacuation procedures.
The event underscores the importance of clear communication and training for high-pressure scenarios. While safety protocols worked, the panic-driven injuries suggest a need for better passenger education on evacuation processes.
For now, the affected passengers are recovering, and Ryanair is working to restore confidence in its operations.
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