A routine holiday flight from Lübeck to Palma turned into a frightening experience for passengers, including a group of elderly German tourists, on Thursday. The Ryanair flight was hit by severe storm gusts, forcing the crew to abort several landing attempts at Palma before diverting to Ibiza, where an onboard emergency was later reported.
During the aircraft’s first approach to Palma, it was shaken by heavy turbulence, with passengers describing a sudden drop just moments before touchdown. As a precaution, cabin crew handed out sick bags, as many of the mainly older holidaymakers were visibly distressed. Witnesses told our sister newspaper Mallorca Magazin that several passengers became unwell amid the intense instability.
A second attempt to land at Palma was also abandoned due to the continuing strong winds. The pilot carried out a go-around and placed the aircraft in a holding pattern over the sea. With weather conditions showing no improvement, the decision was eventually taken to divert the flight.
The aircraft was rerouted to Ibiza, where it did manage to land, although the touchdown itself caused further alarm. “The landing in Ibiza was so hard it felt like a crash landing,” said one senior member of the travel group. Another passenger added: “There was such a loud bang we thought the wing might break off.”
No injuries were reported following the turbulent journey. However, the incident caused major disruption to the group’s travel plans, with their onward journey to Mallorca from Ibiza having to be completely reorganised. Passengers also reported an emergency situation in the rear of the aircraft during the flight, which allegedly required the intervention of both the captain and co-pilot.
The Ryanair aircraft remains at Ibiza Airport. According to information obtained by MM, arrangements are currently being made for passengers to continue their journey to Mallorca.