25.08.2026 SWISS Newsbrief (Flight LX9): Diversion to Terceira
The cockpit crew of flight LX9 from Chicago to Zurich decided this morning to divert to Lajes Airport on the Azores island of Terceira. The reason was a pungent odor in the Economy Class cabin that could not initially be identified. The aircraft was approximately halfway across the Atlantic at the time.
In a situation like this, our crews take no risks and make the precautionary decision to land at a suitable airport. In coordination with the responsible air traffic control authorities, an emergency was also declared to ensure that the aircraft was given the appropriate priority in the airspace.
The aircraft, a Boeing 777 with the registration HB-JNF, landed safely on Terceira at 6:30 a.m. local time without any further incident. It was subsequently able to taxi off the runway under its own power. All 222 passengers as well as the crew left the aircraft normally. In addition to the passengers, there were 16 crew members on board, including two pilots and 14 cabin crew members.
Around five passengers and one crew member underwent precautionary medical examinations after landing, having briefly experienced symptoms such as eye irritation, nausea or headaches. The well-being of our passengers and crew is our top priority. None of those affected required any further medical attention. All of these passengers were also able to leave the aircraft normally.
We are aware that a diversion of this kind can be unsettling for our passengers and cause uncertainty. It is therefore all the more important to us to continue providing them with the best possible care and to enable them to continue their journey to Zurich as quickly as possible.
We have already scheduled a replacement flight from Zurich to Terceira and back for this purpose. It is expected to depart Zurich at around 1:00 p.m. today and pick up our passengers and crew on Terceira. The replacement flight is scheduled to arrive in Zurich at 10:15 p.m. this evening.
At this time, we cannot say with certainty what caused the pungent odor in the Economy Class cabin. Our experts will thoroughly inspect the aircraft. We ask for your understanding that we will not speculate about possible causes until these investigations have been completed.
As a result of the replacement aircraft deployment, today’s flight LX8 from Zurich to Chicago and the subsequent return flight from Chicago to Zurich scheduled to be operated by the same aircraft have to be canceled. We sincerely regret the inconvenience this causes our passengers and are arranging alternative travel options for those affected.
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