The pilot of flight AF66 from Paris to Los Angeles was forced to make an emergency diversion to Goose Bay, Canada.
Passengers were horrified when the engine fell apart following a “loud thud” and “vibration”.
Shocking photos show the engine badly damaged as it flew at a height of 38,000 feet.
One video shows material hanging from the engine as the plane flies on above the ocean.
The plane managed to land successfully with the airline saying staff had responded “perfectly”.
They added: “AF66 landed safely. Customers taken care by Air France and rerouting solutions on going.
“Technical issue identified, AF66 diverting per precaution to Goose Bay YYR for technical checks.”
They said one of the engines had been “seriously damaged”.
Air Live said the plane landed safely in Goose Bay.
They flight tracker website said: “During the flight, engine #4 (right hand side) suffered issue causing the loss of the engine inlet cowling.
“The Engine Alliance GP7000 is a turbofan jet engine manufactured by Engine Alliance. It is one of the powerplant options available for the Airbus A380, along with the Rolls-Royce Trent 900.
“Air France A380 landed safely on runway 26 at 15:42 (UTC).