Engine issue forces Condor flight from Corfu to divert to Italy

A Condor flight from the Greek island of Corfu to the German city of Dusseldorf was forced to divert to southern Italy after an engine issue shortly after takeoff, leaving 273 passengers facing an unexpected overnight stay in Brindisi, reported dpa.

Flight DE3665, a Boeing 757, departed Corfu on Saturday evening when a cockpit indicator reported a malfunction, the German airline said.

The aircraft crossed the Adriatic and landed safely in Brindisi, about 200 kilometres north-west of Corfu.

Greek media cited authorities as saying the pilot had told air traffic controllers the aircraft was still able to fly safely.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang and seeing flames from the engine.

Condor stressed that there had been no engine fire, but acknowledged that flames were briefly visible due to the disruption of airflow in the engine.

The cause of the incident is under investigation, and the aircraft remains in Brindisi for technical checks. Condor dispatched a replacement plane that flew passengers on to Dusseldorf on Sunday morning.