Flight Details
Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-800 Operator: Ryanair Registration: EI-EKK Flight Number: FR4038 Route: Dublin Airport (DUB), Ireland to Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), Italy Date of Incident: 22 April 2025 Total Occupants: Not publicly disclosed; typical Ryanair 737-800 capacity approximately 189 passengers Weather Conditions: Routine conditions reported; no significant weather noted during descent
Introduction
On 22 April 2025, a Ryanair Boeing 737-800 operating flight FR4038 from Dublin to Milan Bergamo experienced a captain incapacitation event during the descent phase into Bergamo. As the aircraft approached its destination, the captain began feeling unwell and became incapacitated, leaving the first officer to assume full control of the flight.
The first officer conducted several holding patterns to stabilise the situation before proceeding to a safe landing on runway 28 at Bergamo Airport. Emergency medical services attended to the captain upon arrival. The event triggered a temporary closure of Bergamo Airport for approximately 50 minutes, causing operational disruption including diversions.
Sequence of Events
Flight FR4038 departed Dublin normally and cruised uneventfully towards northern Italy. As the aircraft entered the initial descent phase towards Milan Bergamo:
The captain reported feeling unwell, with deteriorating condition leading to full incapacitation In accordance with Ryanair and Boeing protocols for pilot incapacitation, the first officer immediately assumed command of the flight The flight entered a series of holding patterns, allowing the first officer to: Manage cockpit workload alone Coordinate with air traffic control (ATC) for priority landing Assess and stabilise cockpit conditions Brief cabin crew and prepare for potential emergency handling on the ground
After completing procedural checklists and ensuring full control, the first officer initiated an approach to runway 28 at Bergamo.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft:
Stopped on the runway to facilitate immediate access for medical services Did not continue normal taxiing operations to allow rapid medical intervention Was attended by ground emergency responders who focused on providing assistance to the incapacitated captain
Passengers remained seated during the medical response.
Crew & Communication
The first officer’s response adhered strictly to incapacitated crew procedures, including:
Securing the incapacitated pilot’s seat to prevent interference with flight controls Establishing single-pilot operation protocols, including task prioritisation and reliance on autopilot where possible Notifying ATC of the situation, requesting a clear route and priority landing clearance Briefing the cabin crew regarding the captain’s condition and adjusting inflight announcements to manage passenger awareness without inducing panic
Cabin crew would have assisted by monitoring the captain’s medical state while maintaining cabin order.
ATC provided full support, granting holding patterns and coordinating emergency response readiness on the ground.
Aircraft Systems & Technical Analysis
There was no technical fault with the aircraft contributing to this incident. The Boeing 737-800 is fully capable of safe single-pilot operation under non-normal circumstances until landing can be completed.
The aircraft’s systems, including autopilot and autoland capabilities (if required), would have been available to assist the first officer.
The decision to hold rather than land immediately reflects sound judgment, allowing the first officer time to complete checklists and fully prepare for a methodical and safe arrival without undue haste.
Passenger Experience & Cabin Conditions
Passengers were likely unaware of the specific nature of the cockpit emergency during the flight itself, aside from possible announcements about a precautionary landing or minor delay.
There were no reports of panic or disruptive cabin conditions. Passengers were disembarked normally after the captain received medical attention.
Some operational impact occurred due to the aircraft stopping on the runway, which temporarily closed Bergamo Airport and led to several diversions of inbound flights.
Emergency Response & Aftermath
Medical teams responded immediately upon aircraft arrival, accessing the cockpit to assist the captain. No further details about the captain’s medical condition have been released publicly.
The airport was closed for about 50 minutes as a result of the incident, causing minimal but notable operational disruption.
The occurrence aircraft, EI-EKK, remained on the ground overnight for post-incident inspection and crew logistics management. It was returned to active service approximately 10 hours after landing.
Investigation Status
Given that there was no injury to passengers and the event was managed competently, no formal investigation by Italy’s ANSV (National Agency for Flight Safety) or EASA is anticipated. However, Ryanair and its safety department will conduct a standard internal review, including:
Assessment of crew health records (with strict medical privacy compliance) Review of adherence to incapacitation protocols System check for any stress-related cockpit alerts or maintenance follow-up if necessary
The event will be filed as a serious operational event under ICAO guidelines, though it does not meet the criteria for an accident or serious incident involving mechanical failures.
Root Cause & Contributing Factors (Preliminary)
Primary Cause:
Captain incapacitation due to sudden medical condition during descent.
Contributing Factors:
None related to flight operations, systems, or weather. Possible undiagnosed or acute medical event.
Safety Recommendations & Industry Impact
This event highlights ongoing aviation industry priorities:
Strict pilot health monitoring and pre-flight medical fitness assessment Importance of first officer readiness to assume command at any stage of flight Reinforcement of incapacitated crew procedures during recurrent simulator training Emphasis on calm, methodical cockpit management under stress
Such occurrences, while rare, underline the necessity of full redundancy of crew qualifications and the psychological resilience demanded of modern airline pilots.
Conclusion
Ryanair flight FR4038 was landed safely at Milan Bergamo Airport after the captain became incapacitated during descent, with the first officer executing a textbook response under significant pressure. The effective management of the incident prevented any escalation and ensured passenger safety without injury or damage. The aircraft returned to service after overnight downtime, with internal reviews underway.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and reports at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided.
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