Flames erupted from a Condor Boeing 757’s engine mid-air, forcing an emergency landing in Italy. The jet had taken off from Corfu, Greece, bound for Düsseldorf, when it reached 36,000ft and suffered a “disruption in the turbine airflow,” according to German broadcaster WDR.

Passengers described the terrifying moments as the engine sputtered flames. One told Bild: “Suddenly, the power went out for a few seconds, and we realised we were no longer climbing.” Another added: “I already sent goodbye texts because I thought, ‘It’s over now.’”

Footage showed the plane descending with “flames bursting from its engine” and loud booms as it approached Brindisi, Italy, where it landed just 40 minutes after takeoff.

Condor later explained: “The reason was a parameter indication outside the normal range caused by a disturbance in the air flow supply to the engine. This posed no danger to the guests or crew members at any time.”

A replacement plane flew passengers to Düsseldorf the next day. Some, however, were left without hotel rooms due to limited capacity, though the airline offered vouchers, blankets, and reimbursement for alternative accommodations. The aircraft is now undergoing inspection.