DE3665 - Engine Fire During Takeoff

Condor Airlines Flight DE3665, operating a Boeing 757-300 (registration D-ABOK) from Corfu International Airport (CFU) to Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), experienced a critical engine fire during takeoff on August 16, 2025. The aircraft departed from runway 34 at Corfu Airport at approximately 8:00 PM local time when the right engine began experiencing surges and burst into flames at approximately 1,500 feet altitude during the initial climb phase. Multiple loud bangs were heard by passengers and crew, with flames visibly shooting from the right turbofan engine. The flight crew immediately executed emergency procedures, shutting down the affected engine and declaring an emergency. Due to the severity of the situation, the crew made the decision to divert to Brindisi Papola Casale Airport (BDS) in southern Italy rather than attempting to return to Corfu. The aircraft, a 25.5-year-old Boeing 757-300 representing one of seven such aircraft in Condor's fleet, successfully completed a single-engine approach and landing at Brindisi Airport at 20:02 local time. All 273 passengers and 8 crew members were safely evacuated with no injuries reported. The primary cause was determined to be engine fire caused by airflow issues creating a chemical reaction, with a possible bird strike during takeoff being investigated as a contributing factor. A replacement aircraft (D-ABOI) was arranged to continue the journey to Düsseldorf, though passengers faced accommodation challenges due to limited hotel availability in Brindisi. The original aircraft remains grounded for investigation and repairs.