GRAZ- Smoke filled the cabin of a Swiss Air Lines (LX) Airbus A220 during a routine flight from Bucharest (OTP) to Zurich (ZRH) on Monday (December 23, 2024), forcing an emergency landing in Graz (GRZ), Austria.
A flight attendant required helicopter transport to a local hospital, with their current condition prompting concern from the airline.
SWISS Flight Emergency Landing
The incident affected multiple people aboard flight LX1885. Four additional crew members sought medical evaluation at local hospitals. Medical teams also treated 10 of the 74 passengers after they evacuated the aircraft using emergency slides.
Engine problems triggered the emergency, leading to smoke spreading through both the cabin and cockpit. The pilots diverted the aircraft to Graz Airport in southeastern Austria, where it remains parked on the main runway. This situation has forced the closure of the airport until further notice.
The affected aircraft entered service seven years ago. Swiss International Airlines released a statement confirming they monitor the hospitalized crew member’s condition closely while medical staff evaluates 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.”
SWISS Official Statement
A Swiss Air Lines emergency response team will travel to Graz to support affected passengers and crew members. The airline spokesperson emphasized their commitment to assist everyone involved in the incident.
The Airbus A220’s design typically avoids using engine ‘bleed air’ for cabin air conditioning, setting it apart from most commercial aircraft. The plane relies on this system only as a backup or in specific situations.
The smoke in the cabin might have entered through the air conditioning system if the aircraft switched to bleed air mode during the incident. This system can potentially draw in engine smoke or vaporized engine oil under certain conditions.
Similar Incidents
In November 2024, a Wizz Air (W6) flight from Gdansk to Tromso diverted to Stockholm Arlanda Airport after smoke appeared in the cabin. Rescue leader Marcus Clemert confirmed the crew’s decision to divert. Emergency services prepared for the landing, though no injuries occurred. The aircraft maintained full functionality during the incident, and rescue teams departed after a safe landing. Officials continue to investigate the smoke’s cause.
Spirit Airlines (NK) encountered a similar situation when their Orlando to Bogota flight landed at Fort Lauderdale on August 3, 2023. The cabin smoke injured four crew members during this incident.
A more severe disruption struck Gulf Air’s Mumbai-Manchester flight via Bahrain on December 1, 2024. An engine fire forced an emergency landing at Kuwait Airport, stranding Indian passengers for 13 hours. Passengers faced significant hardships, reporting a lack of basic amenities and claims of discriminatory treatment.
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