SWISS Delhi-Zurich Flight Aborts Takeoff After Engine Fire, Six Injured

Early on Sunday, April 26, 2026, a SWISS International Air Lines flight, identified as LX147, bound for Zurich from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), was forced to abort its takeoff. The incident occurred around 1:08 AM local time during its takeoff roll when the crew detected a failure in engine number one, immediately followed by a fire alert. This critical situation led the pilots to reject the takeoff and initiate an emergency evacuation on runway 28. Upon the emergency landing, the aircraft, an Airbus A330 with registration HB-JHK, which was carrying 228 passengers and four infants along with its crew, was swiftly evacuated. Passengers and crew exited the aircraft using emergency slides, a procedure that, while necessary for safety, resulted in injuries to six passengers. These individuals received immediate medical attention and were subsequently transported to a private hospital, with some reports specifically mentioning Medanta hospital for treatment. Fortunately, all crew members on board were reported to be unharmed. The severity of the situation prompted Delhi Airport authorities to declare a 'full emergency' in the early hours of Sunday. Following the evacuation, runway 28, where the incident unfolded, was temporarily closed to allow for the removal and inspection of the aircraft. Despite the emergency, airport officials confirmed that other flight operations at IGIA remained unaffected, minimizing broader disruptions to air traffic. SWISS International Air Lines promptly issued a statement acknowledging the incident. The airline confirmed the details of the aborted takeoff due to an engine issue and the subsequent precautionary evacuation. A task force has been established by SWISS to manage the situation, and the airline is actively working to arrange alternative travel arrangements and hotel accommodation for all affected passengers. Furthermore, technical specialists from SWISS are expected to travel to Delhi to inspect the Airbus A330 and determine the precise cause of the engine failure. This incident highlights the rigorous safety protocols in aviation that prioritize passenger and crew well-being during critical events. The quick actions of the flight crew in rejecting the takeoff and initiating the evacuation procedure were crucial in preventing a potentially more severe outcome. The swift response from airport emergency services and the airline's immediate efforts to support affected passengers underscore the coordinated approach to handling such aviation emergencies. This event underscores the constant need for vigilance and adherence to safety standards within the global aviation industry. The incident gained significant coverage across major Indian news outlets, including The Economic Times, Reuters, Hindustan Times, NDTV, Mint, India Today, and Xinhua, underscoring its relevance and public interest in India and internationally. Several news reports mentioned the aircraft had reached a speed of approximately 104 knots when the engine failure occurred, indicating the takeoff roll was well underway. The prompt and effective response by the pilots to halt the aircraft at such a speed, along with the subsequent evacuation, averted a major disaster. The airline reiterated its commitment to the safety of its guests and crew as its top priority and is cooperating closely with local authorities for the ongoing investigation.

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