Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary stated on July 22, 2026, that an initial investigation into a cracked window on a recent flight suggests the damage was caused by a foreign object, not a structural failure. The incident occurred on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft traveling from London Stansted to Bergamo, Italy, on July 19, 2026.
O'Leary told reporters that the aircraft landed safely and that passengers were never in danger. The plane was taken out of service for inspection, and a replacement aircraft was provided for the return journey. The CEO emphasized that such events are extremely rare and that safety remains the airline's top priority.
The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified and is conducting its own review. Ryanair is cooperating fully with authorities. The airline has not specified what type of foreign object might have caused the damage, but possibilities include bird strikes or debris on the runway.
