GRAZ- On December 23, 2024, smoke invaded the cabin of a Swiss Air Lines (LX) Airbus A220 on a regular trip from Bucharest (OTP) to Zurich (ZRH), resulting in an emergency landing in Graz, Austria.
A flight attendant required helicopter transport to a local hospital, and the airline was concerned about their current state.
SWISS Flight Emergency Landing
The event injured several persons on aircraft LX1885. Four additional crew members sought medical attention at nearby hospitals. Medical professionals also treated ten of the 74 passengers who were evacuated off the plane via emergency slides.
Engine issues sparked the emergency, resulting in smoke spreading over the cabin and cockpit. The pilots redirected the aircraft to Graz Airport in southeastern Austria, where it is now parked on the main runway. This circumstance has prompted the airport to close till further notice.
The affected aircraft went into service seven years ago. Swiss International Airlines issued a statement indicating that they are actively monitoring the condition of the hospitalized crew member as medical personnel evaluate the other crew members.
We are aware of an incident involving flight LX1885 from Bucharest to Zurich. For technical reasons, the cockpit crew decided to make an unscheduled landing in Graz. The passengers have been evacuated, and the aircraft is currently on the runway. More information will follow.”
A Swiss Air Lines emergency response team will go to Graz to assist the impacted passengers and crew. The airline spokesman stressed their willingness to assist everyone involved in the situation.
The Airbus A220’s design avoids using engine ‘bleed air’ for cabin air cooling, which distinguishes it from most commercial airplanes. The plane only uses this technology as a backup or in rare scenarios.
If the aircraft was in bleed air mode at the time of the event, smoke might have infiltrated the cabin through the air conditioning system. Under some conditions, this device may be able to draw in engine smoke or vaporized oil.
Similar Incidents
In November 2024, a Wizz Air (W6) flight from Gdansk to Tromso was diverted to Stockholm Arlanda Airport after smoke appeared in the cabin. Rescue leader Marcus Clemert verified the crew’s choice to detour.
Emergency services prepared for the landing, however there were no injuries. The aircraft remained operational throughout the event, and rescue teams departed following a safe landing. Officials are still investigating the cause of the smoke.
Spirit Airlines (NK) had a similar problem when their flight from Orlando to Bogota arrived in Fort Lauderdale on August 3, 2023. This event resulted in four crew members being wounded due to cabin smoke.
On December 1, 2024, Gulf Air experienced a much significant disruption on its Mumbai-Manchester route via Bahrain. An engine fire prompted an emergency landing at Kuwait Airport, leaving Indian passengers stranded for 13 hours.
Passengers reported severe problems, including a shortage of basic services and allegations of discriminatory treatment.