Several occupants of the Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) flight required medical attention after the aircraft made an emergency landing in Graz after the passenger cabin filled with smoke. One crewmember was airlifted to hospital, after the flight made a diversion to Graz, Austria.
SWISS flight LX1885, an Airbus A220-300, was conducting a scheduled service between Bucharest and Zürich. The flight was carrying 74 passengers and five crew members.
Whilst the flight was en route at cruising altitude near Graz, Austria, flight crew reported the presence of smoke in the cabin.
SWISS LX1885 Bucharest-Zurich
As a result, the decision was made to make a precautionary diversion to nearby Graz. The aircraft subsequently landed on runway 34 Graz Airport (GRZ), and was brought to a stop on the runway.
The aircraft was then evacuated via escape slides, with emergency services assets in attendance.
One flight attendant was airlifted to hospital by a waiting rescue helicopter. It is understood that at least 10 of the passenger complement required medical attention following the expedited diversion. The remaining for crew members were also referred to hospital for medical assessment.
SWISS issued a brief statement via its social media channels following the incident.
“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.”
The airline further disclosed that the aircraft had suffered engine trouble and subsequently experienced smoke in the cockpit and cabin. The carrier was particularly concerned about the well-being of one cabin crew member, who was subsequently airlifted to hospital.
Aircraft Details
The aircraft conducting the LX1885 service from Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) was an Airbus A220-300, registered HB-JCD. This is a 7.3 year old narrowbody aircraft belonging to the carrier Swiss International Airlines. It has been in operational service with the airline since its initial delivery from the factory in November 2017.
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