Ryanair Flight To Dublin Makes Belly Landing Claiming 13 lives With Severe Injuries

Ryanair Flight To Dublin Makes Belly Landing Claiming 13 lives With Severe Injuries

A Ryanair flight bound for Dublin suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure on Sunday evening, resulting in a devastating belly landing at Dublin Airport. Officials have confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the crash, while dozens more were hospitalized with severe injuries.

The flight, FR452 from Barcelona to Dublin, was carrying 174 passengers and 6 crew members when it encountered critical landing gear malfunction shortly before its scheduled arrival.

According to early reports from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), the aircraft’s pilots reported a “gear unsafe” warning at 6:28 PM local time while preparing for final approach. Despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue, the landing gear failed to deploy.

Heroic Effort Ends in Disaster

In a desperate attempt to save lives, the experienced flight crew declared an emergency and began circling Dublin Airport to burn fuel and prepare passengers for an emergency landing. Passengers onboard described scenes of chaos and panic as oxygen masks dropped and cabin crew rushed to instruct travelers on bracing positions.

“I thought it was the end,” said Maria Collins, a survivor sitting near the rear of the aircraft. “The flight attendants were shouting ‘Brace! Brace!’ over and over. Everyone was screaming, praying, crying.”

At approximately 7:15 PM, the Boeing 737-800 attempted a belly landing on runway 28L. Witnesses described the scene as terrifying, with sparks flying from the fuselage as it scraped along the tarmac, eventually spinning sideways before coming to a halt near the end of the runway.

Emergency services were already on standby and rushed immediately to the wreckage. Despite the rapid response, the impact proved fatal for 13 passengers, and left at least 47 others critically injured. Dublin Fire Brigade confirmed that multiple passengers were extracted from the crumpled fuselage with the use of heavy equipment.

Dublin Airport Shut Down

In the aftermath of the accident, Dublin Airport suspended all flights for over five hours. Dozens of arriving and departing flights were diverted to Shannon, Cork, and Belfast airports, stranding thousands of travelers and causing significant disruption across Ireland and parts of the United Kingdom.

In a statement released late Sunday night, Ryanair expressed “deep sorrow and profound condolences” to the families of those affected.

> “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by today’s tragic incident involving flight FR452. We are cooperating fully with Irish and European aviation authorities to determine the cause of this tragic event,” the airline stated.

A dedicated Ryanair Emergency Response Team was activated, and families of passengers were provided with emergency support services at a crisis center set up near the airport.

Investigation Underway

Ireland’s Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) immediately launched an investigation into the cause of the incident. Initial focus is on the failure of the aircraft’s landing gear system.

Early analysis from aviation experts suggests a possible hydraulic system failure, but investigators have not ruled out mechanical fatigue, maintenance issues, or manufacturing defects.

The aircraft involved was delivered to Ryanair in 2016 and had undergone regular maintenance checks, according to official Ryanair maintenance logs reviewed Sunday night.

“We are leaving no stone unturned,” said Dr. Aoife Gallagher, head of the AAIU. “We are analyzing the flight data recorders, cockpit voice recordings, and maintenance history. We owe it to the victims, the survivors, and the families to get clear answers.”

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has also dispatched a team of investigators to assist.

Global Reactions and Condolences

World leaders, including Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris, extended their sympathies to those impacted.

> “Today is a dark day for Ireland. Our hearts go out to the families grieving unimaginable losses,” Harris said during a press conference held at Government Buildings.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed condolences, confirming that at least 19 Spanish citizens were onboard, including two among the deceased.

Airlines and airports across Europe observed a moment of silence Monday morning for the victims.

Survivors Share Harrowing Accounts

Many survivors described the terrifying moments before impact.

“We could smell burning even before we touched the ground,” said Thomas Nguyen, a 34-year-old businessman who was sitting in an emergency exit row. “When we landed, everything was shaking violently. Then it felt like we were spinning, and I remember hitting my head hard against the seat in front of me.”

Emergency exits were quickly opened by surviving crew members, but thick smoke complicated evacuation efforts. Several passengers were praised for helping others, including pulling injured travelers out of the wreckage.

“I don’t know how, but adrenaline kicked in,” said Chloe MacNamara, who carried a young child away from the smoking aircraft. “I just ran, and I didn’t look back.”

Questions Loom for Ryanair

This tragedy marks the deadliest accident in Ryanair’s 40-year history, and serious questions are now being raised about aircraft maintenance, training protocols, and emergency preparedness.

Aviation unions called for an immediate review of Ryanair’s operational safety procedures.

> “This catastrophic event must serve as a wake-up call for stronger oversight and accountability across the European low-cost airline industry,” said Pat O’Donnell, president of the European Airline Safety Union.

Passengers from other recent Ryanair flights have also come forward alleging concerns over aircraft maintenance, fueling speculation that broader systemic issues may be uncovered in the weeks ahead.

A Nation Mourns

In Dublin, a makeshift memorial quickly grew outside the airport’s main terminal, with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes honoring the victims.

Grieving families gathered Monday morning for a prayer service led by Archbishop Dermot Farrell.

“We mourn those who have died, we pray for those who are fighting for their lives, and we give thanks for the courage shown by so many in the face of tragedy,” he said.

As the investigation proceeds, Ireland—and the aviation world—await answers to how a routine flight turned into a devastating catastrophe.