Passengers have been left terrified after a Ryanair flight crashed into a barrier and suffered a badly smashed wing after landing at a Greek airport. The Boeing 737 suffered "severe turbulence" during the flight, before those onboard heard a loud bang as the aircraft landed and collided with a barrier.
Flight FR6080 departed from Stansted Airport on Wednesday morning and landed safely at Kalamata International Airport (KLX) in the Peloponnese moments before the sudden crash. Emergency services quickly descended on the scene, while frightened passengers were told to stay on the plane despite fire concerns. Images show extensive damage to the Ryanair plane, with the wing torn apart by the impact.
"The flight took off from London Stansted on Wednesday morning and headed for Kalamata," a source told The Sun.
"There was severe turbulence during the flight, but it managed to land on the runway at Kalamata International.
"The crew said it was going to be a bumpy landing."
However, they added: "While it was taxiing down the runway towards the red and white barrier at the end, the plane turned and everyone heard this loud banging sound.
"You could feel the impact."
Passengers on board were then told via an announcement to remain on the plane and wait for fire services.
"With the wing damaged the way it was, why wouldn't you evacuate the plane first?" the source asked. "Everyone was scared - it was the fact they said wait on the plane even though there was clearly a risk of fire."
Questions have also been raised about why the seatbelt sign was not turned back on due to the "turbulence" on the descent towards Kalamata Airport.
The Express contacted Ryanair for comment, and a spokesperson said: "This flight from London Stansted to Kalamata (18 June) was taxiing to stand when the wing tip came in contact with a fence at Kalamata Airport. The aircraft subsequently continued to stand, and passengers disembarked normally.
"The aircraft then underwent the required inspections and maintenance prior to its return to service."
