A major aviation scare unfolded at Indira Gandhi International Airport when a Zurich-bound aircraft operated by Swiss International Air Lines was forced into an emergency evacuation after smoke was detected from its landing gear.
The incident occurred in the early hours as the flight was preparing for departure. Around 2 am, airport authorities declared a full emergency after noticing smoke coming from the aircraft’s undercarriage. Fire tenders and emergency response teams were immediately deployed, ensuring that all safety procedures were followed without delay.
The flight, identified as LX 147 and scheduled to travel from Delhi to Zurich, had 232 passengers and 13 crew members onboard. The aircraft involved was an Airbus A330-343. As a precaution, the crew aborted the takeoff after detecting a technical issue, reportedly linked to one of the engines.
Following an on-ground assessment, the crew decided to evacuate the aircraft. Passengers were instructed to exit using emergency slides, while alternative arrangements like stairs were provided for those unable to use the slides. Despite the swift response, six passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation and were taken for medical evaluation.
Airport authorities later confirmed that all emergency protocols were executed efficiently and that operations at the airport continued without disruption. The airline also stated that technical experts would be flown in from Switzerland to inspect the aircraft and determine the exact cause of the issue.
The incident highlights the effectiveness of emergency preparedness at one of India’s busiest airports, where a potentially serious situation was managed swiftly, ensuring the safety of all onboard.