Ryanair Flight Disrupted by False Fire Alarm, Passengers Describe Terrifying Experience

Passengers on a Ryanair flight from Majorca's Palma Airport to Manchester witnessed a chaotic scene when the plane was discontinued due to a false fire alarm just after midnight on Saturday. Eighteen people suffered minor injuries as they disembarked from the aircraft using inflatable slides. Shocking footage shows some passengers walking on the aircraft's wings before jumping to the tarmac. Emergency services were called to the airport after the incident.

Key Takeaways:

• Eighteen passengers were injured during the disembarkation process, with some suffering from ankle sprains.
• The flight was discontinued due to a false fire alarm, which triggered a false fire warning light indication.
• Passengers were asked to "brace" before disembarking using inflatable slides, with some choosing to jump from the wing instead.
• The communication from the crew was described as "awful" by passengers, with many feeling surprised and frightened by the sudden evacuation.
• Vouchers were provided to all passengers as compensation for the inconvenience caused.
• Ryanair quickly arranged a replacement aircraft to operate the flight, which departed from Palma at 7:05 am the following morning.
• Passengers were given $16 to spend at the airport due to the delay, but many felt this was insufficient given the circumstances.
• The incident highlights concerns over communication and passenger safety during emergency situations.

Statistics:

• 18 passengers suffered minor injuries during the evacuation.
• 1 flight was discontinued due to a false fire alarm.
• 1 replacement aircraft was arranged to operate the flight, departing Palma at 7:05 am the following morning.
• $16 was provided to each passenger as compensation for the inconvenience caused.
• The incident occurred on July 4, with passengers experiencing a further 2 hours and 30 minutes of delays before boarding the replacement flight.

Sources:

• "Cancel flight in Palma but let them off the wrong end!" by Telegraph.
• "Ryanair 'sincerely apologises' after flight is disrupted by false fire alarm" by The Mirror.
• "Ryanair Passengers Jump From Plane Wing in Emergency" by Time Magazine.
• Ryanair press release, July 2023.