Fire erupts on Ryanair flight before takeoff in Italy; around 200 passengers safely evacuated

Passengers were forced to evacuate from a Ryanair flight after the aircraft encountered a fire incident shortly before takeoff. According to a report from Reuters, fumes were observed outside the aircraft at the Brindisi airport in southern Italy.

Shortly, the crew jumped into action and evacuated a total of 184 passengers on board. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene to address the situation.

Ryanair released a statement saying, "Flight FR8826 from Brindisi to Turin was delayed this morning after cabin crew observed fumes on the outside of the aircraft. Passengers were disembarked without incident and returned to the terminal by bus."

The incident caused a temporary closure of Brindisi airport, located in the Puglia region of southeastern Italy. However, Aeroporti di Puglia, the airport operator, confirmed that the airport had resumed operations by late morning.

To minimise further disruption, Ryanair announced plans to utilise a spare aircraft to transport the affected passengers to their intended destination of Turin later on Thursday.