Swiss Flight Engine Fire at Delhi Airport, 6 Injured in Evacuation

A Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) flight, identified as LX147 (also referred to as SWR146 in some reports), destined for Zurich, was forced to abort its takeoff from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in the early hours of Sunday, April 26, 2026. The incident occurred when one of the aircraft's engines, specifically engine number one, experienced a malfunction and subsequently caught fire during the takeoff roll. This alarming development prompted the flight crew to immediately reject the takeoff and initiate an emergency evacuation on Runway 28. The aircraft involved was an Airbus A330-300, registered as HB-JHK. On board were 228 passengers and four infants, along with 13 crew members. Following the aborted takeoff and visible flames, all individuals were safely evacuated from the aircraft using emergency slides deployed onto the runway. However, the evacuation process led to injuries among six passengers. These individuals reportedly sustained minor injuries during the deployment and use of the emergency slides and were subsequently rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention. Medanta Hospital was specifically mentioned as one of the facilities where injured passengers were treated. Fortunately, all crew members on board were reported to be unharmed. Eyewitness accounts and initial reports suggest that smoke was first detected on the left side of the aircraft, with flames later spotted near the right landing gear in some instances, though most reports pinpoint the engine fire. The pilots' swift action in halting the aircraft and initiating evacuation procedures is being credited with preventing a potentially more catastrophic outcome. In response to the serious aviation incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulator, has launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the engine failure and subsequent fire. The aircraft has been grounded at Delhi Airport for thorough inspection by technical specialists, including those from SWISS who are expected to travel to Delhi. Airport operations at IGIA were temporarily affected by the incident. Runway 28, where the evacuation took place, was temporarily shut down, leading to some disruptions and potential delays for other flights. However, airport authorities confirmed that all prescribed safety protocols were promptly executed, and other airport operations remained largely unaffected after the immediate emergency response. Swiss International Air Lines issued a statement confirming the incident. The airline expressed regret over the disruption and distress caused to passengers. They announced the formation of a special task force to provide support to affected individuals, including arranging hotel accommodations for those needing it and assisting with rebooking flights to Zurich or other destinations as quickly as possible. SWISS also emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains their top priority and committed to fully understanding the circumstances that led to this incident. This incident highlights the critical importance of robust safety protocols and efficient emergency response systems in modern aviation. The ongoing investigation by Indian authorities and SWISS is expected to provide valuable insights into the technical aspects of the engine failure and any contributing factors during the evacuation process, aiming to enhance aviation safety standards. The rapid response by the flight crew and airport emergency services played a crucial role in mitigating the consequences of what could have been a much graver situation. Passengers were given contact cards to ensure continuous communication regarding their onward travel arrangements. This is not the first time a SWISS flight has faced an incident; there have been other reports of aborted takeoffs or emergency landings, though details vary and are not directly related to this specific event. For instance, in September 2025, a SWISS flight from Boston to Zurich aborted takeoff due to an engine fire, and in April 2024, a SWISS flight returned to Newark due to an unruly passenger. These unrelated incidents underline the dynamic and complex nature of airline operations and the continuous need for vigilance and adherence to safety procedures. The prompt and coordinated efforts between the airline, airport authorities, and regulatory bodies are crucial in managing such emergencies effectively and ensuring public confidence in air travel safety.

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