Kalamata, Greece | June 19, 2025 — What was supposed to be the start of a relaxing holiday for dozens of travelers turned into a tense and confusing experience when a Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Kalamata Airport in Greece suffered damage upon landing. The aircraft, a Boeing 737, clipped a fence during taxiing, causing part of its wing to crumple and sparking concern among passengers.
Moments After Landing
The flight had already endured intense turbulence during its descent into Kalamata, rattling passengers who were already anxious. After a relatively smooth touchdown, the aircraft began taxiing towards its designated gate. That’s when things took an unexpected turn.
According to passengers, a loud metallic bang was heard inside the cabin, followed by a sudden jolt. The right wing of the plane had reportedly struck a low-lying fence or barrier along the taxiway. From the windows, some travelers could see visible damage to the wing, sparking immediate concerns about structural integrity and fire risks.
Crew Response and Passenger Confusion
While the collision startled many onboard, the cabin crew initially instructed passengers to remain seated. Emergency services soon arrived to assess the damage and ensure that there was no immediate threat to safety. Despite the visibly crumpled wing, the aircraft was deemed stable, and all passengers disembarked safely through the usual exit process.
Several travelers later expressed confusion and concern about the delay in evacuation, particularly given the sight of twisted metal on the wing. Some also noted that the seatbelt sign was off during portions of the turbulence, adding to their sense of unease.
No Injuries, Quick Recovery
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Ryanair later confirmed that the aircraft’s wingtip had made contact with a fence while taxiing. The airline emphasized that safety protocols were followed, and that the aircraft was quickly taken out of service for inspection and repairs.
Within 24 hours, after maintenance teams conducted necessary checks and fixes, the aircraft was returned to service—an indication that the damage, while dramatic in appearance, was limited and manageable.
A Reminder of the Risks on the Ground
This incident is a reminder that risks in aviation aren’t limited to flying alone. Even after a smooth landing, ground operations carry their own set of hazards, particularly in busy or unfamiliar airport environments. Taxiing mishaps like this—though rare—highlight the importance of clear ground navigation, crew awareness, and airport infrastructure standards.
For passengers, it also underlines the importance of staying alert, keeping seatbelts fastened until the plane has come to a complete stop, and trusting the trained judgment of the flight crew in unexpected situations.
References
- The Sun UK – Ryanair plane from UK crashes on runway wrecking wing
- New York Post – Ryanair wrecks wing in barrier crash landing in Greece
- AviationA2Z-Ryanair London to Greece Flight with Boeing 737 Crash During Landing
