A Ryanair flight from Malaga to London Stansted was forced to declare an emergency mid-air after the crew reported a ‘possible fire in the landing gear.’
The alert concerned the aircraft’s crucial landing system – a section comprising wheels, brakes, and various other components used to safely touch down.
Air traffic controllers broke the news via a post on X (@controladores) on Wednesday, revealing the crew had radioed Madrid’s Enaire control centre to request an emergency diversion.
‘We are providing a direct route, continuous descent, and approach to runway 18R despite operating in a northerly configuration,’ the post read.
The statement was accompanied by dramatic footage showing a real-time flight radar, with the Ryanair Boeing 737, highlighted in red, veering off course from its original path from Malaga Airport.
In response, emergency protocols were triggered at Madrid-Barajas Airport.
Takeoffs from runways 36L and 36R, along with incoming traffic to 32L and 32R, were ‘temporarily’ suspended ‘to ensure safety,’ officials confirmed.
Fire crews met the aircraft on the tarmac as it landed in Madrid without incident.
Controllers later clarified the Boeing 737 had touched down safely, the suspected fire had not materialised, and the plane was able to taxi clear of the runway.
With the emergency resolved, flight operations swiftly resumed.
