A flight from Kerkyra underwent significant drama after the plane’s right engine began emitting large flames, forcing it into an emergency landing in Italy with passengers undergoing shock from the ordeal.

The Condor Airlines Boeing 757-300 plane was carrying roughly 300 people on board when it left Kerkyra (commonly known as Corfu) last Saturday night (16 August) and things took a sharp turn shortly after take-off, as reported in the Daily Post.

The plane’s right engine began to emit large flames and smoke with video footage captured showing it visible from the ground.

Passengers were understandably left very concerned for their safety, with reports stating many feared for their lives and began sending “final messages” to their loved ones.

The plane did a U-turn and made an emergency landing in Brindisi, Italy, according to flight tracking information.

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.”

The fire is believed to have been the result of a bird strike.

Condor Airlines stated there was no risk to passengers during the incident.

The German airline also denied that an engine explosion had taken place, stating the fire was the result of 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 that the reason the plane diverted was because of “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 spokesperson said.

“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.”

The spokesperson added that there was insufficient hotel capacity in Brindisi, meaning not all passengers were able to be accommodated, stating that those who took alternative accommodation options could submit their expenses for reimbursement.

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