A Swiss International Air Lines flight traveling from Bucharest, Romania, to Zurich, Switzerland, made an emergency landing in Graz, Austria, on Monday, December 23, 2024, after experiencing engine issues and smoke in both the cockpit and cabin.
The aircraft, an Airbus A220-300 registered as HB-JCD, was operating as flight LX-1885 with 74 passengers and five crew members. The crew initiated the diversion to Graz Airport while the aircraft was en route at FL400, according to The Aviation Herald.
Swiss confirmed the incident, stating, “The cockpit crew decided to make an emergency landing in Graz and evacuate the aircraft following engine issues and the detection of smoke in both the cabin and cockpit.”
The plane landed safely on runway 34 at Graz Airport and all passengers and crew members were evacuated. A medical helicopter transported one cabin crew member to a hospital in Graz; their condition remains unknown. Swiss confirmed that 12 passengers and four additional crew members received medical attention.
The airline initially reported 10 passengers seeking medical help but later updated the number to 12 in a subsequent news release. All five crew members are under medical care.
Graz Airport was temporarily closed following the incident, as indicated by a NOTAM. The airport has since reopened after the aircraft was removed from the runway.
Swiss has arranged two special flights to assist those affected. The first departed on Monday night, carrying a care team for passengers and crew, technicians, and a support team for local authorities.
The second flight, LX7385, is scheduled to depart from Graz to Zurich on Tuesday, December 24, at 9:45 a.m., arriving at approximately 11:00 a.m., to transport passengers who wish to continue their journey to Zurich.
“SWISS is working intensively to ensure the best possible care and support for both passengers and crew members,” the airline stated. Passengers and crew have been accommodated in hotels in Graz while awaiting further arrangements.
The cause of the engine issues and smoke is currently under investigation.
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