A Ryanair flight set to depart from Palma de Mallorca Airport for Manchester turned into a scene of chaos and confusion early Saturday morning, after a false fire warning prompted a full-scale emergency evacuation. The incident left 18 passengers injured, several of whom leaped from the aircraft's wings in panic as confusion mounted inside the cabin.
The drama unfolded aboard a Boeing 737 just before takeoff when a fire indicator reportedly lit up in the cockpit, triggering a sudden emergency response. Though the fire alert was later confirmed to be a false alarm, the cabin crew initiated immediate evacuation procedures in line with standard safety protocols. However, the situation quickly spiraled as panicked passengers bypassed formal instructions and began using over-wing emergency exits, which are not equipped with inflatable slides, to escape the aircraft.
According to eyewitnesses and video footage circulating online, several passengers, visibly distressed and confused, exited onto the wings and jumped directly onto the tarmac, risking serious injury. Screams and cries for help could be heard as some travelers feared the plane might catch fire, despite no visible signs of smoke or flames.
One passenger told ITV News, “People just started running. One flight attendant was frozen and another was yelling for everyone to get off the plane. I’ve never experienced fear like that before.” Another traveler recalled her daughter yelling down the slide, convinced she might not survive the fall. The sheer panic triggered by unclear instructions and raw fear led many to ignore proper evacuation procedures, contributing to injuries and disarray.
Emergency services at the airport, including four ambulances (two basic and two advanced life support units), responded within minutes. Of the 18 injured, six were hospitalized at Clínica Rotger and Hospital Quirónsalud Palmaplanas. None of the injuries were classified as life-threatening, although several passengers sustained sprains, bruises, and suspected fractures from falling off the wings or sliding improperly.
Ryanair quickly issued a statement acknowledging the incident and clarifying that the fire alert was a false alarm. The airline noted that evacuation was executed as a precaution and that passengers were escorted safely back to the terminal once the aircraft was cleared. A replacement aircraft was deployed, and the flight to Manchester eventually departed around 7:05 a.m. local time.
“We sincerely apologize for the stress and disruption caused to our passengers. Safety is our highest priority, and our crew acted in accordance with emergency protocols,” Ryanair stated.
Airport officials confirmed that normal operations resumed shortly after the incident and emphasized that no actual fire had been detected aboard the aircraft. However, authorities are treating the event seriously, with an investigation launched into the alarm system, the crew’s conduct, and the response procedures followed.
This incident has raised pressing questions about passenger preparedness, crew training, and aircraft design, particularly around the use of over-wing exits, which are not equipped with slides. Aviation experts have noted that in high-stress situations, passengers often act instinctively, not rationally, underscoring the importance of clear communication during emergencies.
Former aviation safety officer Carlos Martinez commented, “False alarms can be more dangerous than real ones if not handled carefully. When fear takes over, people don’t wait for instructions. This incident must serve as a wake-up call to improve onboard emergency drills, both for crews and passengers.”
As the summer travel rush continues across Europe, the Ryanair episode stands as a chilling reminder that even routine departures can turn chaotic within seconds. Authorities from Spain’s Civil Aviation Authority are expected to review flight data and passenger statements to determine what went wrong and whether any lapses occurred in safety protocol enforcement.
Meanwhile, passengers recovering from injuries and trauma are left shaken by an experience that, while sparked by a false alert, exposed real gaps in safety communication and crowd control. For them, it was a terrifying ordeal that won’t be easily forgotten.
And for airlines and regulators alike, it is yet another signal that the margin for error even in the absence of real danger is razor-thin in the aviation world.