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At least 18 passengers were injured in a dramatic evacuation at Palma Airport in Majorca overnight, after a fire alert onboard a Ryanair flight prompted panicked passengers to escape via the aircraft’s wing.
Emergency services responded after the cabin crew raised the alarm just before take-off around 12:35am. Passengers were seen jumping from the wing of the aircraft onto the tarmac, as firefighters, police, and ambulances rushed to the scene.
According to regional authorities, six of the injured were taken to hospital with what were described as minor injuries, including ankle sprains. Others were treated at the scene by paramedics from four emergency vehicles dispatched, including two advanced life support units.
False Alarm Sparks Chaos
A Ryanair spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft – which was scheduled to fly from Palma to Manchester – aborted take-off due to a “false fire warning light indication.” The incident caused “moments of great tension,” with some passengers reportedly acting out of fear and bypassing the standard evacuation procedures.
“While disembarking, a small number of passengers encountered very minor injuries,” Ryanair said in a statement. “Passengers were disembarked using the inflatable slides and returned to the terminal.”
The airline confirmed a replacement flight departed Palma at 7:05am.
Eyewitnesses Describe Panic
A confused airport worker, overheard on a walkie-talkie, reportedly said:
“Do you know the plane has emergency exits? People are jumping from the wing onto the ground. Something’s happening – they’re evacuating the plane.”
Investigation Underway
Authorities have confirmed the fire alert was a false alarm, but stressed a full investigation is ongoing. The Civil Guard and airport firefighters remain involved.
Safety Reminder
The incident is expected to renew questions around passenger safety, emergency procedures, and crew response protocols during false alerts.
