An Air France Airbus A320 operating flight AF7562 from Paris–Orly to Ajaccio made a precautionary emergency landing at Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport on 20 December after a technical issue was reported around 50 minutes into the flight. The aircraft was carrying 173 passengers.
Several passengers described hearing a loud bang, experiencing strong vibrations, and seeing brief flashes or flames near the left engine. The crew followed emergency procedures and landed safely. Air France stated the aircraft remained airworthy and denied any confirmed engine fire.
After hours of delay, passengers were rerouted via Bastia and reached Ajaccio by bus around 03:00 local time. A group of passengers, led by a lawyer on board, has announced plans to file a legal complaint, citing fear during the incident and the airline’s lack of clear communication afterward.
An aviation expert suggested the event may have been an engine compressor surge, a rare but known phenomenon that can cause noise, vibrations, and brief flames, after which the aircraft can safely continue on one engine.
Images: Jetphotos, Flightradar24