Emergency descent incident involving a Ryanair flight

Coleman Legal LLP represented several clients in a personal injury claim against Ryanair after a flight travelling from Dublin to Zadar Airport was forced into an emergency descent in July 2018. The Ryanair aircraft reportedly suffered a sudden loss of cabin pressure during the flight, requiring an emergency landing at Frankfurt Hahn Airport before passengers could continue their journey. 

Emotional distress claim involving a young passenger

One of the claims involved an 11-year-old boy from Co Kildare who allegedly experienced emotional distress following the incident. Court proceedings were issued on behalf of the child because he was underage at the time. According to the case details, the child reportedly suffered:

  • Nightmares following the incident
  • Stress-related symptoms
  • Headaches after the emergency landing

Medical evidence presented in the proceedings allegedly confirmed a degree of stress connected to the incident. 

€10,000 settlement approved under Montreal Convention

The legal proceedings were brought under the Montreal Convention, which governs airline liability for passenger injuries during international flights. Ryanair reportedly admitted that the incident qualified as an accident under the Convention. Judge O’Connor of the Circuit Court was reportedly satisfied that the legal criteria required under the Convention had been met and approved a settlement offer of €10,000 for the child claimant. 

Airline injury claims and passenger rights

Passengers who suffer injuries or psychological trauma during flights may be entitled to investigate legal remedies depending on the circumstances of the incident.

Airline-related injury claims may involve:

  • Cabin depressurisation incidents
  • Emergency landings
  • Physical injuries during flights
  • Psychological trauma and anxiety
  • Hearing damage or ongoing medical symptoms

Personal injury claims involving international air travel are often assessed under the Montreal Convention and related aviation liability laws.

Support for passengers affected by airline incidents

Coleman Legal LLP stated that several passengers onboard the affected Ryanair flight continued to pursue legal claims arising from the incident. If you or a family member were affected by a similar airline incident involving injuries, emotional distress or ongoing medical symptoms, you may wish to seek legal advice regarding your rights. For confidential guidance regarding an airline or personal injury claim, individuals can contact Diane Treanor at Coleman Legal LLP or call 1800 844 104.