A flight from Greece to Düsseldorf started spewing fire soon after taking off, giving passengers the scare of their lives, who thought they were going to die and started sending goodbye messages to families and friends. The incident happened on a Condor Airlines Boeing 757-300 that left Corfu with 300 people on board on Saturday. Right after takeoff, the plane's right engine started spitting fire and smoke. A video captured from the ground shows the plane on fire. The fire got so bad that the smoke spread all around the plane and covered the windows. Passengers started panicking and sent their "final message" to loved ones. The pilot turned around the plane and made an emergency landing in Brindisi, Italy, as everyone heaved a sigh of relief after escaping their worst fears. A passenger recounted the horror to German newspaper Bild, saying that they heard a sudden loud noise, after which flames started shooting out of the engine. "I sent goodbye messages, thinking it was over. It was a horrible experience," they said. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/japan-airlines-boeing-dreamliner-shanghai-tokyo-plummets-26-000-feet-mid-air-1751435726235">Shanghai-Tokyo Boeing plummets 26,000 feet, panicked passengers write goodbye letters and wills</a>&nbsp;<h2>What caused Condor plane to catch fire?</h2>Reports suggest that the fire was triggered by a bird hit, while some mentioned that the engine of the plane exploded. Condor Airlines said that there was no explosion and the fire was caused by a "disturbance in air flow" to the jet. It added that a reaction in the combustion chamber had become more visible. The airline further said that all the passengers were safe. It told Mirror that Flight DE3665, travelling “from Corfu to Dusseldorf was diverted to Brindisi on 16 August 2025” because of "a parameter indication outside the normal range caused by a disturbance in the air flow supply to the engine." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/just-hours-after-deadly-ahmedabad-plane-crash-another-air-india-flight-dropped-900-feet-during-takeoff-shocking-details-inside-1751359923772">Just hours after deadly Ahmedabad plane crash, another Air India flight dropped 900 feet during takeoff</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<h2>Condor sent another plane for the passengers</h2>The plane landed at around 8:15 pm at Brindisi Airport, "with 273 guests and eight crew members" who got off the plane normally. Another plane left on August 17 to bring the passengers to Düsseldorf. This meant they had to spend the night in Brindisi, where sufficient accommodation wasn't available. The airline said, "Unfortunately, there was insufficient hotel capacity in Brindisi, meaning that not all guests could be accommodated in hotels." It provided "additional vouchers and blankets" at the airport, "and a few shops were allowed to remain open to provide supplies."

The Condor flight from Greece to Düsseldorf was seen spitting fire in the sky. With 300 people on board, the pilot quickly turned around the plane and made an emergency landing in Italy. The airline revealed the reason for the fire. 

A flight from Greece to Düsseldorf started spewing fire soon after taking off, giving passengers the scare of their lives, who thought they were going to die and started sending goodbye messages to families and friends. The incident happened on a Condor Airlines Boeing 757-300 that left Corfu with 300 people on board on Saturday. Right after takeoff, the plane's right engine started spitting fire and smoke. A video captured from the ground shows the plane on fire. The fire got so bad that the smoke spread all around the plane and covered the windows. Passengers started panicking and sent their "final message" to loved ones. The pilot turned around the plane and made an emergency landing in Brindisi, Italy, as everyone heaved a sigh of relief after escaping their worst fears. A passenger recounted the horror to German newspaper Bild, saying that they heard a sudden loud noise, after which flames started shooting out of the engine. "I sent goodbye messages, thinking it was over. It was a horrible experience," they said. Also Read: Shanghai-Tokyo Boeing plummets 26,000 feet, panicked passengers write goodbye letters and wills What caused Condor plane to catch fire? Reports suggest that the fire was triggered by a bird hit, while some mentioned that the engine of the plane exploded. Condor Airlines said that there was no explosion and the fire was caused by a "disturbance in air flow" to the jet. It added that a reaction in the combustion chamber had become more visible. The airline further said that all the passengers were safe. It told Mirror that Flight DE3665, travelling “from Corfu to Dusseldorf was diverted to Brindisi on 16 August 2025” because of "a parameter indication outside the normal range caused by a disturbance in the air flow supply to the engine." Also Read: Just hours after deadly Ahmedabad plane crash, another Air India flight dropped 900 feet during takeoff Condor sent another plane for the passengers The plane landed at around 8:15 pm at Brindisi Airport, "with 273 guests and eight crew members" who got off the plane normally. Another plane left on August 17 to bring the passengers to Düsseldorf. This meant they had to spend the night in Brindisi, where sufficient accommodation wasn't available. The airline said, "Unfortunately, there was insufficient hotel capacity in Brindisi, meaning that not all guests could be accommodated in hotels." It provided "additional vouchers and blankets" at the airport, "and a few shops were allowed to remain open to provide supplies."

The Condor flight from Greece to Düsseldorf was seen spitting fire in the sky. With 300 people on board, the pilot quickly turned around the plane and made an emergency landing in Italy. The airline revealed the reason for the fire.&nbsp;

'I sent goodbye messages': Plane from Greece spits out fire as scared passengers send 'final' messages

Rare migratory birds flock to Greece's Lesbos Island, offering clues about climate change and its impact on wildlife.

Rare migratory birds lure watchers to Greece's Lesbos island

Greece to Deploy Record Number of Firefighters Ahead of Wildfire Season. Greece is preparing to confront another wildfire season by deploying firefighters.

Greece Readies For Wildfire Season

Greece Launches State App To Limit Children's Screen Time

A stone bridge in Greece is the oldest such structure in the world and has nothing that keeps the rocks stuck to each other. Despite this, it has managed to stay upright for 3,354 years and is so strong that it is still used today. The Arkadiko Bridge in the Peloponnese, Greece, connects Tiryns and Epidauros - popular archaeological sites - in Argolis. The bridge is 72 feet long and 18.4 feet wide. According to estimates, it was built around 1330 BC, Express UK reported.
It was constructed without the use of any binder, like mortar or cement. Yet, it was sturdy enough for the use of horse-drawn chariots. Today, over 3,000 years later, cars can safely pass through it. It belongs to the Greek Bronze Age and is the oldest preserved bridge in Europe.
Its speciality lies in its alignment and the layout. The bridge is made of limestone blocks. Their weight and the symmetrical alignment on the vertical axis play a key role in keeping it in its place. Its design has made it stable enough to endure heavy vehicles, or the chariots in those days.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/veteran-kills-himself-after-returning-from-honeymoon-sends-wife-flowers-9027801" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">28-year-old veteran kills himself after honeymoon, sends wife flowers from beyond the grave</a>
<h2>Boulders are all natural</h2>
Most of the boulders are of natural shape. Some of them have some hammering done on them. Over the years, smaller pieces of the stone have been put in the gaps to add more strength to it.
The Arkadiko Bridge is not the only one in the region that has endured the test of time. Three more Mycenaean corbel arch bridges have been standing for almost the same time as Arkadiko in Argolis.. The Petrogephyri bridge is one of them and is a kilometre away from Arkadiko.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strange-hum-on-scottish-island-is-making-people-dizzy-its-source-is-a-mystery-9024537" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">What's that noise? A hum is driving residents of a Scottish island crazy</a>
There is another Mycenaean bridge at Lykotroupi in northern Argolis. It was a part of another Mycenaean main road. The bridge measures 17.1 feet wide at the bottom and 7 feet 10 inches at the top.
<h2>The Mycenaean civilisation</h2>
The Mycenaean civilisation was the last phase of the Bronze Age in ancient Greece. It was the first advanced Greek civilisation in mainland Greece with an urban organisation system, sophisticated art and a writing system.
The civilisation ended after the Bronze Age culture collapsed in the eastern Mediterranean. Several reasons have been cited for its end, including the Dorian invasion, a hypothesis that the Dorians moved into the Peloponnese. However, this proposal is believed to be merely a myth.
Some experts believe that climate change and other natural disasters likely killed them.

The oldest bridge in the world has been standing for over 3,000 years. Despite the fact that it is an ancient relic, it is still in perfect condition and is used by locals. World Trending

A stone bridge in Greece is the oldest such structure in the world and has nothing that keeps the rocks stuck to each other. Despite this, it has managed to stay upright for 3,354 years and is so strong that it is still used today. The Arkadiko Bridge in the Peloponnese, Greece, connects Tiryns and Epidauros - popular archaeological sites - in Argolis. The bridge is 72 feet long and 18.4 feet wide. According to estimates, it was built around 1330 BC, Express UK reported. It was constructed without the use of any binder, like mortar or cement. Yet, it was sturdy enough for the use of horse-drawn chariots. Today, over 3,000 years later, cars can safely pass through it. It belongs to the Greek Bronze Age and is the oldest preserved bridge in Europe. Its speciality lies in its alignment and the layout. The bridge is made of limestone blocks. Their weight and the symmetrical alignment on the vertical axis play a key role in keeping it in its place. Its design has made it stable enough to endure heavy vehicles, or the chariots in those days. Also Read: 28-year-old veteran kills himself after honeymoon, sends wife flowers from beyond the grave Boulders are all natural Most of the boulders are of natural shape. Some of them have some hammering done on them. Over the years, smaller pieces of the stone have been put in the gaps to add more strength to it. The Arkadiko Bridge is not the only one in the region that has endured the test of time. Three more Mycenaean corbel arch bridges have been standing for almost the same time as Arkadiko in Argolis.. The Petrogephyri bridge is one of them and is a kilometre away from Arkadiko. Also Read: What's that noise? A hum is driving residents of a Scottish island crazy There is another Mycenaean bridge at Lykotroupi in northern Argolis. It was a part of another Mycenaean main road. The bridge measures 17.1 feet wide at the bottom and 7 feet 10 inches at the top. The Mycenaean civilisation The Mycenaean civilisation was the last phase of the Bronze Age in ancient Greece. It was the first advanced Greek civilisation in mainland Greece with an urban organisation system, sophisticated art and a writing system. The civilisation ended after the Bronze Age culture collapsed in the eastern Mediterranean. Several reasons have been cited for its end, including the Dorian invasion, a hypothesis that the Dorians moved into the Peloponnese. However, this proposal is believed to be merely a myth. Some experts believe that climate change and other natural disasters likely killed them.

After over 3,000 years, world's oldest bridge is still perfectly usable

INIOCHOS 2025, Greece’s premier live-fly combat exercise, is underway with participation from 14 nations including the U.S., France, Israel, and Qatar. Hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, the biennial drills aim to sharpen operational readiness and integrate lessons from modern air combat scenarios. The skies over Greece are set for intense multinational training and coordination.

INIOCHOS 2025: Global air forces join Greece for advanced live-fly combat drills

Heavy rainfall caused flashing flooding on Greece's Paros island on Monday, 31 March. Drone footage captures the scale of destruction in the capital, Naousa, with damage to vehicles and authorities working to clear mud from the streets. Watch to know more!

Powerful storm brings flooding to Greek islands Paros and Mykonos

Flash floods hit Greek tourist islands, causing travel disruptions

The first cruise ship of the season arrived at the Greek island of Santorini that experienced a series of earthquakes in February. The seismic events led to cruise ships diverting to other destinations, raising concerns about the upcoming tourist season. Take a look.

First cruise ship of the season arrives in Santorini after earthquake

A week after the second anniversary of Greece’s deadly train collision, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has once again survived a no-confidence vote. The opposition slammed his government for its handling of the 2023 rail disaster, accusing it of neglecting railway safety and failing to support victims' families.

Greece PM Mitsotakis accused of shirking responsibility, covering up evidence

Athens is witnessing a fresh wave of protests as demonstrators clash with police outside parliament. Marking the second anniversary of Greece’s deadly 2023 train tragedy, thousands demand justice for the 57 victims. Police use tear gas to disperse crowds as the tragedy becomes a major political flashpoint.

Protests erupt in Athens on train tragedy’s second anniversary

In Greece, the 2023 railway disaster has sparked widespread protests. On Wednesday, thousands took to the streets of Athens, demanding accountability from politicians. The demonstrations quickly escalated into clashes. Watch in for more details!

Athens: Demonstrators demand justice for 57 victims killed in rail tragedy

Protesters in Athens hurled gasoline bombs and smashed-up paving stones as they clashed with police during mass demonstrations Friday to mark the second anniversary of a devastating train crash. Watch this report for more details!

Greece: Violent protests in Athens, police use water cannon and tear gas

Greece: Violent protests in Athens on train crash anniversary

Scientists have used AI to detect ten times more earthquakes in Santorini than previously recorded. This breakthrough could help predict future seismic activity near Greece.

AI detects hidden earthquakes in Santorini, uncovering ten times more tremors

The Greek island of Santorini, a popular tourist spot, declared a state of emergency on Thursday (Feb 6) after the strongest earthquake of 5.2 magnitude was recorded on Wednesday evening. The recent unprecedented near-constant tremors have disrupted life on the island.&nbsp;
Athens Geodynamic Institute, Greece's leading authority on earthquake analysis, recorded seven successive tremors measuring over 4.0 magnitude early morning Thursday.&nbsp;
Greek Civil Protection Ministry has declared a state of emergency until March 3.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-slaps-sanctions-on-icc-over-israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-baseless-arrest-warrant-8697704">Trump slaps sanctions on ICC over Israeli PM Netanyahu's 'baseless' arrest warrant</a>
The string of quakes has forced hundreds of people to flee the island on planes since ferries are not allowed to leave the ports due to high winds.
As per reports, around 11,000 people are believed to have left the island. The scenic region witnesses over 3.4 million tourists a year and is home to some 20,000 permanent residents.&nbsp;
The recent seismic activities have intrigued scientists as so far experts have been unable to provide a certain timeframe on when the seismic activity will end.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-elections-three-exit-polls-predict-bjp-victory-over-aap-8697529">Delhi Assembly Elections: Three more exit polls predict BJP victory over AAP</a>
The institute's research director Athanassios Ganas told state TV channel ERT, "The intensity is falling but has not yet stabilised."&nbsp;
"We're at the halfway point," the institute's deputy director Vassilis Karastathis told the station.&nbsp;
Since January 26, over 6,000 tremors have been recorded in the Aegean Sea near the islands of Santorini, Amorgos, Anafi and Ios, the institute said on Thursday.&nbsp;
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said Greece's "entire state mechanism has been mobilised" to prepare for "any eventuality".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/impeached-south-korean-president-faces-constitutional-court-8697550">Impeached South Korean President faces constitutional court</a>&nbsp;
<h2>Israel prepares for 'tsunami' &nbsp;</h2>
Amid a chaotic situation in Greece, Israel's National Security Council in the Prime Minister's Office has asked authorities and emergency bodies to prepare for the possibility of a tsunami off Israel's shore.&nbsp;
In the past, tsunamis have struck Israel and amid anticipation of a major earthquake on the Greek island of Santorini, the chances they will occur again are relatively high. Israel has a nearly 200-kilometre-long Mediterranean coastline.&nbsp;
As quoted in local reports, a summary of an emergency discussion held Wednesday night said, "In light of the distance of the State of Israel from the earthquake zone [approximately 900 kilometers, or 560 miles], the estimated warning time for a tsunami wave from a strong earthquake is up to two hours."&nbsp;
"Emergency bodies and government ministries are required to prepare for the possibility that the State of Israel may encounter a tsunami wave heading toward it," it added.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World | The Greek Civil Protection Ministry has extended the state of emergency until March, as experts remain uncertain about when seismic activities will subside 

The Greek island of Santorini, a popular tourist spot, declared a state of emergency on Thursday (Feb 6) after the strongest earthquake of 5.2 magnitude was recorded on Wednesday evening. The recent unprecedented near-constant tremors have disrupted life on the island. Athens Geodynamic Institute, Greece's leading authority on earthquake analysis, recorded seven successive tremors measuring over 4.0 magnitude early morning Thursday. Greek Civil Protection Ministry has declared a state of emergency until March 3. Also read: Trump slaps sanctions on ICC over Israeli PM Netanyahu's 'baseless' arrest warrant The string of quakes has forced hundreds of people to flee the island on planes since ferries are not allowed to leave the ports due to high winds. As per reports, around 11,000 people are believed to have left the island. The scenic region witnesses over 3.4 million tourists a year and is home to some 20,000 permanent residents. The recent seismic activities have intrigued scientists as so far experts have been unable to provide a certain timeframe on when the seismic activity will end. Also read: Delhi Assembly Elections: Three more exit polls predict BJP victory over AAP The institute's research director Athanassios Ganas told state TV channel ERT, "The intensity is falling but has not yet stabilised." "We're at the halfway point," the institute's deputy director Vassilis Karastathis told the station. Since January 26, over 6,000 tremors have been recorded in the Aegean Sea near the islands of Santorini, Amorgos, Anafi and Ios, the institute said on Thursday. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said Greece's "entire state mechanism has been mobilised" to prepare for "any eventuality". Also read: Impeached South Korean President faces constitutional court Israel prepares for 'tsunami' Amid a chaotic situation in Greece, Israel's National Security Council in the Prime Minister's Office has asked authorities and emergency bodies to prepare for the possibility of a tsunami off Israel's shore. In the past, tsunamis have struck Israel and amid anticipation of a major earthquake on the Greek island of Santorini, the chances they will occur again are relatively high. Israel has a nearly 200-kilometre-long Mediterranean coastline. As quoted in local reports, a summary of an emergency discussion held Wednesday night said, "In light of the distance of the State of Israel from the earthquake zone [approximately 900 kilometers, or 560 miles], the estimated warning time for a tsunami wave from a strong earthquake is up to two hours." "Emergency bodies and government ministries are required to prepare for the possibility that the State of Israel may encounter a tsunami wave heading toward it," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Santorini earthquakes: State of emergency declared; Israel prepares for tsunami

Greece on alert after more than 200 earthquakes shake islands. Quakes, some with a magnitude above 4, rattled Santorini every few minutes on February 3. People were advised to stay out of indoor spaces and small ports. Overnight tremors prompted many to sleep outdoors, while others chose to leave by plane or ferry. Watch in for more details!

Santorini Earthquake: Residents Leave Santorini As Over 200 Earthquakes Jolt Greece | WION Originals

A series of earthquakes near the Greek island of Santorini have led authorities to shut down schools. Watch this report for more details!

Greece: At least 200 minor earthquakes shake Santorini island

Minor Earthquakes strike several Islands off the coast of Greece

The current health minister Adonis Georgiadis said Greece would not extend smoking restrictions in line with the European Union recommendation.
Find out more in this report.

Even as Greece Banned Indoor Smoking, 14 Years Later, People Are Found Flouting Rules

A tragic incident off the coast of Greece has left five people dead and dozens missing after a migrant boat sank. The vessel, reportedly overcrowded, capsized in rough seas, leading to a desperate rescue operation. Authorities are working to locate the missing individuals, while survivors are being treated for injuries. The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean, and the challenges posed by the region’s growing refugee crisis.

Five Dead, Dozens Missing as Migrant Boat Sinks off Greece

A tragic incident off the coast of Greece has left five people dead and dozens missing after a migrant boat sank. The vessel, reportedly overcrowded, capsized in rough seas, leading to a desperate rescue operation. Authorities are working to locate the missing individuals, while survivors are being treated for injuries. The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean, and the challenges posed by the region’s growing refugee crisis.



Five migrants died early Saturday when a migrant boat sank off Crete, Greece's coastguard said, leaving 40 people reportedly missing while 39 survivors were rescued, all men.

Five migrants died early Saturday when a migrant boat sank off Crete, Greece's coastguard said, leaving 40 people reportedly missing while 39 survivors were rescued, all men. The boat sank 12 nautical miles southwest of the island, according to ERTNEWS, which reported the 40 missing. A huge rescue operation involving vessels and aircraft was underway in the sea near the island of Gavdos, south of Crete, after the boat capsized shortly after midnight, the coastguard said. Watch | Ex-Soccer Player Mikheil Kavelashvili Elected As Georgia's New President The first dead was found Saturday morning. According to the Athens News Agency, a migrant is being treated in the intensive care unit of the Chania hospital in the ICU in serious condition while three people are also hospitalised with cardiac problems and hypothermia. Saturday afternoon, the coastguard told AFP that the number of migrants found dead had risen to five. In two separate incidents off Gavdos also on Saturday, 88 migrants were located and rescued by a tanker flying the flag of Great Britain, and 47 people by a cargo ship flying the Maltese flag, some 28 nautical miles south and 40 nautical miles south of the island, respectively. Greece has seen a 25-percent increase this year in the number of migrants arriving, with a 30-percent increase to Rhodes and the southeast Aegean, according to the migration ministry. Also read | Top Bolsonaro ally arrested: Brazil's ex-Defence Minister Braga Netto accused of coup attempt Several similar accidents have occurred in recent weeks. In late November, eight migrants, six of them minors, died north of the island of Samos, on a route frequently used by people smugglers. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Five dead, dozens missing in Greece as migrant boat sinks

A storm sweeping through Greece has killed two people on the island of Lemnos and damaged roads and buildings. The storm Bora which arrived in Greece on Saturday is forecast to bring heavy snowfall to the north and Northwest until Tuesday. Watch in for more details!

'Bora' Sweeps Across Greece, Floods Homes & Streets

greece

Greece, News on Greece, stories on Greece, articles on Greece, Greece stories at Wion, Greece news, Greece latest news