A Ryanair flight carrying 185 passengers was forced to make an urgent landing in southern Germany after being violently buffeted by a ‘supercell’ storm, resulting in injuries to at least nine individuals, including a toddler. This dramatic incident, which unfolded on a Tuesday evening, left passengers shaken and disrupted the planned journey between Berlin and Milan.
The aircraft, en route to Milan Malpensa Airport, had been making its way over southern German airspace when it was caught in a sudden burst of extreme turbulence associated with a supercell, a particularly dangerous type of rotating thunderstorm. Supercells, known for their severity, can stretch up to 30 miles wide and are capable of spawning tornado-like conditions, according to meteorological experts.
As conditions deteriorated rapidly, the flight crew opted to divert the plane to the closest airfield. The captain chose Memmingen Airport in Bavaria, where the plane landed without further incident. Emergency response teams were promptly assembled at the airport to tend to both the injured and the wider group of distressed passengers.
Reports from local officials indicate that the injuries sustained ranged from minor to more significant. Among those affected were a cabin crew member and a two-year-old child—a particularly distressing detail for other passengers. The toddler was treated for bruising, while one adult passenger was hospitalised with a head injury, and another reported back pain requiring medical attention. All injured individuals were given treatment at nearby hospitals.
For many onboard, the experience invoked intense fear and confusion. One passenger, speaking to the German daily Bild, described the ordeal as the most frightened they had ever been in an aircraft, expressing fears that the plane might break up or overturn mid-flight. Accounts posted online conveyed a chaotic scene inside the cabin, with several people momentarily lifted out of their seats by the force of the turbulence.
Due to the emergency diversion, the remaining passengers’ travel plans were significantly disrupted. Ryanair stated that, with the aircraft grounded, buses were arranged to transfer travellers to Milan, and a replacement flight was scheduled for the following day. While such diversions are rare, the airline stressed that passenger safety remained its priority and issued an apology for the inconvenience.
According to flight-tracking service Flightradar24, the plane’s change of course towards Memmingen was abrupt, reflecting the challenging airborne conditions at the time. Meanwhile, the German Meteorological Service had previously issued weather warnings for the region, citing threats of large hail and fierce winds. The same storm system affected communities in nearby Ulm, where a tornado caused damage and prompted multiple fire brigade callouts.
As news of the frightened passengers’ experiences began to circulate on social media, further details emerged regarding their ordeal. Some reported being kept on the aircraft for several hours post-landing, leading to frustration and heightened anxiety. Emergency crews were seen boarding the plane, offering medical evaluations and reassurance to those affected.
Authorities from both Germany and Ryanair said they would be providing more information as investigations continued. Meanwhile, the incident has ignited renewed discussions on air travel safety during severe weather events, with experts highlighting the unpredictable nature of supercell storms.
Ultimately, despite the distress caused and injuries incurred, the prompt decision-making by flight crew and immediate response from emergency services averted what could have potentially been a more tragic outcome. It serves as a stark reminder of the risks extreme weather can pose to modern aviation, and the importance of stringent safety protocols and preparedness for all in the industry.