KAZAKHSTAN — A Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) flight traveling from Seoul to Zurich has declared a mid-air emergency while cruising over Central Asia.
Flight Details
The aircraft, an Airbus A350-900 with registration HB-IFB, departed Seoul’s Incheon International Airport (ICN) at 09:38 KST on Wednesday morning.
The plane was delivered less than one year ago to the airline.
After approximately six hours of routine flight time, the crew transmitted a Squawk 7700 (the international code for a general emergency) while maintaining an altitude of 36,000 feet in Kazakhstani airspace.
Developing Situation
At this time, Swiss International Air Lines has not officially confirmed the nature of the emergency, whether it pertains to a technical malfunction, a medical situation on board, or another operational issue.
Local authorities in Kazakhstan are reportedly monitoring the aircraft’s progress as air traffic controllers prioritize its path to the nearest suitable airport. Potential diversion points in the region include Astana (NQZ) or Almaty (ALA).
UDPATE #1
We have information the flight is diverting to Almaty (ALA).
UPDATE #2
Touche down.
UPDATE #3
The planed taxied to a remote stand of the airport.