Introduction
On 12 March 2025, a Ryanair Boeing 737-800, registration EI-EMM, operating flight FR-6220 from Kraków, Poland to Bristol, UK, experienced smoke on board during the climb, prompting the crew to declare an emergency and divert to Prague, Czech Republic.
The aircraft landed safely on Runway 24 at Prague Airport approximately 25 minutes after the diversion was initiated. A replacement aircraft continued the flight to Bristol with a delay of approximately 2.5 hours.
Sequence of Events
Departure and Initial Climb
• FR-6220 departed Kraków Airport (KRK) on a routine service to Bristol (BRS).
• The aircraft was climbing through FL350 when the crew detected smoke inside the cabin.
• The source of the smoke was not immediately identified, but as a precaution, the crew stopped the climb and declared an emergency.
Diversion to Prague
• After assessing the situation, the flight crew decided to divert to Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG), the nearest suitable diversion point.
• The aircraft descended rapidly while following standard emergency procedures to ensure cabin safety.
• Passengers and crew were instructed to prepare for a possible emergency landing.
Safe Landing in Prague
• The aircraft landed safely on Runway 24 at PRG approximately 25 minutes after the emergency was declared.
• Emergency services were on standby, and after landing, the aircraft was escorted to a remote parking stand for further inspection.
• Passengers were disembarked normally, and no injuries were reported.
Investigation and Findings
1. Source of Smoke Unknown at Time of Diversion
• Initial crew reports suggested an unidentified smoke source inside the cabin.
• There were no indications of fire or system malfunctions on the flight deck.
• The aircraft’s fire suppression and ventilation systems operated normally.
2. Emergency Handling and Diversion Decision
• The crew followed standard smoke and fire procedures, including donning oxygen masks and preparing for a rapid descent if necessary.
• The decision to divert to Prague was made swiftly, prioritizing passenger safety and accessibility to emergency services.
• ATC cleared the aircraft for priority landing, ensuring a quick and safe approach.
3. Aircraft Inspection and Return to Service
• Following landing, the aircraft was inspected by ground engineers at Prague Airport.
• No visible fire damage was reported, and the aircraft remained on the ground for approximately 21 hours before returning to service.
• The airline has not disclosed whether the cause of the smoke was identified or if any technical faults were found.
Operational and Safety Considerations
1. Importance of Immediate Smoke Detection and Response
• Smoke in the cabin is treated as a critical emergency due to the potential risk of fire.
• The crew’s prompt decision to divert aligns with best safety practices to minimize risk.
• Future investigations may examine whether a system fault, electrical component, or external factor contributed to the smoke detection.
2. Emergency Diversion Protocols
• The aircraft’s diversion to Prague ensured rapid access to emergency services.
• Air traffic control coordination and priority handling were instrumental in the smooth execution of the emergency landing.
• Passengers remained calm, and the cabin crew effectively managed the emergency procedures.
3. Aircraft Maintenance and Post-Incident Inspection
• Given the unclear cause of the smoke, detailed inspections were likely conducted on electrical and air conditioning systems.
• If a fault is found, Ryanair may implement further checks on similar aircraft in its fleet.
Conclusion
The Ryanair Boeing 737-800 flight FR-6220 from Kraków to Bristol diverted to Prague due to smoke in the cabin. The aircraft landed safely, passengers disembarked without issue, and emergency services were on standby.
While the exact cause of the smoke remains undetermined, the crew’s prompt response and adherence to emergency procedures ensured a safe outcome.
The aircraft was cleared for return to service after approximately 21 hours, and a replacement aircraft continued the journey to Bristol with minimal disruption to passengers.
This incident highlights the importance of strict safety protocols, rapid crew response, and effective air traffic control coordination in handling in-flight emergencies.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available investigation data as of 13 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish for them to be removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
