Ryanair Disputes Passenger's Window Suction Claim in Court 2026

Ryanair will dispute a passenger's claim that he was partially sucked out of a window during a July flight from Greece to Germany, according to CEO Michael O'Leary. The incident left Ljubisa Karović, 61, severely injured when the window beside him shattered, causing sudden depressurisation. Karović's lawyer alleges his head and right arm were pulled through the window before he was hauled back in. O'Leary, however, told reporters after the airline's annual meeting in Dublin that while Karović was "certainly sucked towards the window," no part of his body actually exited the aircraft.

Ryanair's Legal Position on the Window Incident

O'Leary stated that the airline will be "certainly at the end of the process disputing that he or any part of his anatomy will bend out the window." He emphasised that Karović was "belted into the seat" and that the window opening was too small for any body part to pass through. "He wasn't partially out the window. Part of his face didn't get out the window," O'Leary said. The CEO acknowledged the dramatic nature of the event but insisted the passenger's account is exaggerated.

Investigation by NTSB and Boeing

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the US is leading the accident investigation, with Boeing, engine manufacturer GE, and Ryanair all involved. The aircraft was a Boeing 737. Investigators are examining the cause of the window failure and the sequence of events. Ryanair says it will cooperate fully but maintains its stance that no body part exited the cabin.

Key Takeaways from the Ryanair Window Incident

• Ryanair will dispute passenger's claim of being partially sucked out of a window.
• CEO Michael O'Leary says no body part exited the aircraft.
• NTSB is leading the investigation with Boeing and GE.
• Passenger Ljubisa Karović suffered severe injuries in the July incident.
• Legal proceedings may hinge on physical evidence and witness testimony.

Potential Legal and Safety Implications

If Ryanair's dispute succeeds, it could limit the airline's liability for the passenger's injuries. Conversely, if Karović's account is validated, it may raise serious questions about aircraft window integrity and passenger safety during depressurisation events. The NTSB's findings will be critical in determining what actually happened. Ryanair has faced scrutiny over its safety record before, but O'Leary stressed that the airline's priority is to establish the facts.

What Happens Next in the Ryanair Dispute?

The NTSB investigation is ongoing, and Ryanair says it will present its evidence at the appropriate time. Karović's legal team is expected to pursue compensation for his injuries. The case could set a precedent for how airlines handle claims of extreme events during flights. Ryanair's annual meeting also covered other business matters, but the window incident dominated questions from reporters.

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