A Ryanair passenger experienced an unsettling moment during a flight from Manchester to Ibiza when he noticed damage to the window panel next to his seat. The incident, which occurred on a regular service to the Balearic Islands, prompted immediate concerns among travellers onboard.
Aaron Greaves, the passenger who discovered the issue, promptly alerted the cabin crew about the damaged window. The crew members reassured him that there was no safety risk to passengers. Greaves documented the incident in a video that has since gone viral on social media platforms, including YouTube. "Everyone was startled and didn't want to sit anywhere near the window," he reported.
Ryanair issued a statement clarifying that the damage was limited to a non-essential plastic window panel, rather than the aircraft's structural window. The airline emphasised that this cosmetic issue posed no safety concerns for the aircraft's operation.
Aviation experts have explained that the plastic inner window panels found on commercial aircraft are not part of the plane’s structural design. These panels are mainly intended to provide insulation and a finished look to the cabin interior, while the actual aircraft window consists of multiple durable layers that ensure pressurisation and safety throughout the flight.
Passengers continued their journey without disruption, and the aircraft landed in Ibiza as scheduled. The airline reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and highlighted that its crew are trained to handle and reassure travellers in such situations, ensuring confidence and comfort on board.