On August 16, 2025, a heart-stopping incident unfolded over Greece when a Condor Airlines Boeing 757-300, operating flight DE 3665, took off from Corfu bound for Düsseldorf, Germany—only to experience a sudden engine malfunction. Mere minutes into the flight, the right engine erupted in flames, forcing the pilots to divert and make an emergency landing at Brindisi Airport in southern Italy.
According to People magazine, the trouble began shortly after takeoff, around 36,000 feet altitude. Pilots noticed an airflow disruption in the aircraft’s right turbine, followed by what media reports described as a “chemical reaction” near the engine that produced visible flames and loud noises. Safety procedures were immediately underway: the crew shut down the faulty engine, and—as a precaution—the flight was rerouted to Brindisi instead of continuing to Düsseldorf People.com.
Earlier coverage by Indiatimes underscored the dramatic nature of the event: a viral video captured flames flickering from the engine, accompanied by loud bangs—intensifying fears in the skies. The aircraft reportedly carried 273 passengers and 8 crew members, all of whom landed safely without injury in Brindisi IndiatimesPeople.com.
Eyewitnesses on the ground in Corfu also reported hearing a deafening explosion shortly after the plane’s departure. In some accounts, the pilots initially attempted to return to Corfu, but determined it was safer to proceed to Brindisi on a single functional engine www.ndtv.comtovima.com.
Condor responded swiftly, emphasizing that “there was no danger to passengers at any time” and reiterating that safety remained their top priority. Despite this reassurance, tension ran high onboard. One passenger recalled: “Suddenly, the power went out for a few seconds, and we realized we were no longer climbing.” Another described it as “an incredibly horrible experience,” confessing they’d already sent goodbye messages before the situation stabilized People.com.
Once on the ground in Brindisi, logistical challenges emerged. With limited hotel availability, many passengers were stranded at the airport overnight. In response, Condor supplied vouchers, blankets, and access to airport shops. Those who secured alternative lodging were reimbursed for their expenses People.com.
Meanwhile, the aircraft itself was grounded for a technical inspection. Condor arranged a replacement jet, which flew from Frankfurt to Brindisi and eventually carried all passengers to Düsseldorf—albeit with significant delay. According to some reports, the original aircraft remained in Brindisi for nearly two full days during the inspection process. The replacement flight departed on August 17 and arrived in Düsseldorf late—concluding a stressful journey for all involved AInvest.
Though the exact cause of the malfunction remains under investigation, preliminary observations point to an airflow disruption in the turbine that triggered a chemical reaction near the engine—a failure significant enough to produce visible flames People.comAInvest.
This frightening event arrives amid heightened scrutiny of Boeing’s safety record. It follows a recent tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad, which sparked major concern among regulators, passengers, and aviation experts alike. Videos and images of the Condor incident have gone viral online, stirring discussions about aircraft maintenance standards and emergency preparedness Indiatimeswww.ndtv.com.
In Summary
- Flight DE 3665 (Condor Airlines, Boeing 757-300) from Corfu to Düsseldorf made an emergency landing in Brindisi on August 16, 2025 due to an engine fire.
- The aircraft had 273 passengers and 8 crew—all landed safely with no reported injuries.
- The malfunction—possibly caused by airflow disruption and a resulting chemical reaction—was visible and heard in a loud, alarming manner.
- On-ground procedures were efficient but complicated by limited hotel capacity; Condor provided vouchers, blankets, and arranged a replacement aircraft.
- The incident intensifies concerns over aviation safety, especially amid recent Boeing-related emergencies.
