A domestic flight from Madrid to Almeria was forced to return to Barajas Airport shortly after take-off on Thursday due to a suspected engine failure.
According to passengers on board, a loud noise was clearly heard throughout the cabin just moments into the flight, prompting the pilots to activate emergency protocols and circle back to land safely at Madrid’s Terminal 4.
The aircraft, which departed shortly after 12.30pm, had been scheduled to land in Almeria at 1.45pm.
However, after only a brief loop above the terminal, it touched back down safely at Barajas within minutes.
Speaking to Diario de Almeria, one passenger described the noise as ‘perfectly perceptible to everyone on board,’ sparking concern before the crew made an announcement.
Thanks to the quick response of the pilots and cabin crew, passengers remained calm during the unexpected landing. No injuries or physical harm were reported.
After disembarking, travellers were directed to the airline’s customer service desk in the terminal, where they were offered alternative flight options.
Some opted to continue their journey to Almeria via car hire or other forms of transport.
The exact cause of the engine issue has not yet been confirmed, but maintenance teams are investigating.
