NTSB Accuses Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary of International Law Breach Over Accident Comments
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has formally accused Ryanair's chief executive, Michael O'Leary, of violating international aviation law by publicly commenting on the potential cause of a recent window blowout incident involving a Ryanair Boeing 737.
NTSB Cites ICAO Annex 13 Violation
On 22 July 2026, Jennifer Homendy, Chairwoman of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), sent a letter to Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary, asserting that his public statements regarding a recent aircraft incident contravene Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules. The incident, on 10 July 2026, involved Ryanair flight FR-1879, an 18-year-old Boeing 737-800 travelling from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft's right-hand engine suffered an uncontained failure, causing debris to strike the fuselage. This led to a cabin window shattering and explosive depressurisation, partially pulling a 61-year-old passenger outside. The passenger sustained no serious injuries, and pilots safely returned the aircraft to Thessaloniki.
O'Leary's Comments and Investigation Protocols
During a scheduled earnings call earlier that week, O'Leary stated that while he could not definitively determine the cause, "initial indications" suggested "foreign object damage to the engine," adding that the accident was not due to the aircraft's age or servicing. The NTSB, which is leading the investigation at the request of Greek authorities, has not yet made any official determination regarding the cause and has not ruled out age or servicing issues. Homendy's letter, also addressed to Captain Frank Zammit, chief executive of Malta's Bureau of Air Accident Investigation (as the aircraft was registered to Malta Air, a Ryanair subsidiary), reminded O'Leary of Ryanair's role as an accredited representative, which prohibits releasing information or commenting on potential causes without NTSB permission.
Integrity of Investigation at Stake
The NTSB views O'Leary's public remarks as providing an opinion and analysis of the accident, which could impact the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Homendy urged O'Leary to refrain from further public statements regarding the incident while the investigation proceeds. The Boeing 737 involved remains grounded. Investigators will focus on establishing whether foreign object damage caused the engine failure and the subsequent window blowout. A preliminary report detailing the events of 10 July is anticipated within weeks, though a comprehensive accident report could take many months to complete. Industry observers and travellers await these official findings for insights into aviation safety.
Get The Post.
The global travel stories that matter, three mornings a week. Free.
By subscribing you consent to receive this newsletter from GlobalTravelPost (Asia Press Centre Group); unsubscribe at any time.
