Rome – A terrifying scene unfolded on Thursday as a Ryanair Boeing passenger jet was engulfed in flames while taxiing for takeoff at Brindisi Airport in southern Italy, forcing the emergency evacuation of over 180 passengers and crew members.

This dramatic event has ignited a fresh wave of scrutiny over the airline's safety protocols, with several officials calling for urgent investigations.

Recent Incidents Raise Alarm

Just days earlier, another Ryanair flight faced a crisis when a tire blew out while landing at Milan Bergamo Airport, prompting its temporary closure.

Could these incidents be indicative of a deeper problem with the airline’s operations?

Emergency Response and Evacuation

According to airport officials, the fire incident at Brindisi Airport caused a significant shutdown of air traffic for several hours.

Remarkably, all 184 people on board were safely evacuated, with swift action taken by the cabin crew after they spotted fumes emanating from the aircraft.

Passengers were swiftly shuttled back to the terminal via bus, and Ryanair later confirmed the aircraft was replaced, allowing travel to continue to its intended destination in Turin.

Political Scrutiny and Calls for Inquiry

The incidents have raised alarm bells among Italian lawmakers.

Members of the Forza Italia party, part of the ruling coalition, are pushing for an inquiry into Ryanair's safety record, citing a troubling history of reported aircraft issues.

Historical Safety Concerns

Recent history shows that Ryanair has experienced a notable series of mishaps, including a flight in May that had to return to Bari after technical difficulties, and another that had to make an emergency landing in Luxembourg due to a fire onboard.

These are just a few examples of the alarming safety incidents reported involving Ryanair in recent months—not only in Italy but across Europe.

Investigations and Future Implications

As concerns over passenger safety continue to mount, the Italian National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) has launched separate investigations into both incidents this week.

While Ryanair has yet to respond to the growing calls for accountability from lawmakers, Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has also directed inquiries to the airline.

Conclusion and Ongoing Concerns

Travelers are urged to stay informed and vigilant as the situation develops, with many now questioning the safety of flying with Europe’s largest budget airline.

Will Ryanair be able to restore public confidence, or do these incidents signal a more severe crisis in aviation safety?

Stay tuned for updates!