An emergency landing of a Swiss Airbus A220-300 flight LX1885 on December 23, 2024, has raised significant concerns after the aircraft encountered serious technical issues during its flight from Bucharest to Zurich.
Initially scheduled to touch down at Zurich at approximately 18:15, the flight departed with a one-hour delay. Two hours later, over Austrian airspace, the crew faced alarming engine problems marked by sudden smoke filling both the cabin and the cockpit. The safety of all on board prompted the decision to divert to Graz Airport, where the aircraft made a successful emergency landing.
According to reports from Swiss Public Broadcasting (SRF), all 74 passengers and five crew members evacuated from the aircraft using the emergency slides after landing. Unfortunately, 12 passengers required medical evaluation and treatment for smoke inhalation, and one crew member was critically injured and transported to the hospital by helicopter. The condition of the crew member—who remains on the intensive care unit—has led Swiss Airlines to express deep concern. “Our thoughts are with the affected individuals, and we hope for our colleague's speedy recovery,” the airline stated.
Eyewitness accounts have painted a terrifying picture of the incident. A passenger described hearing what sounded like an explosion emanate from the engine, followed by thick smoke filling the cabin. “It was strange, there was so much smoke, and people couldn’t breathe; I didn't know what was happening,” she relayed to the Kleine Zeitung after the ordeal. Other passengers noted similar experiences, which fueled panic among those on board.
Following the emergency landing, Graz Airport was temporarily closed, but operations resumed within hours, with the affected aircraft later towed from the runway. To facilitate the passenger’s travel, Swiss Airlines arranged two special flights on December 24, flying the remaining passengers to Zurich, where they were met by care teams.
This incident raises broader concerns about the reliability of the Airbus A220-300, which Swiss Airlines currently operates 30 units of. The model, known for its fuel efficiency and modern features, has also garnered attention for its troubled history involving troublesome engine issues, particularly those sourced from Pratt & Whitney. Swiss Airlines has encountered numerous incidents involving the aircraft type, leading to emergency groundings and rigorous inspection procedures.
Reports as far back as 2019 indicated operational difficulties with the Pratt & Whitney engines, where failures prompted the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to request enhanced inspections. These issues have persisted, with various airlines, including Swiss, facing operational challenges and grounded fleets due to engine failures, mishaps characterized by engine shutdowns mid-flight.
Commenting on these latest developments, Swiss Airlines emphasized their proactive approach to addressing the concerns raised by this incident and previous engine troubles, stating, “We are committed to maintain close communication with local authorities and take every measure necessary to safeguard our passengers’ wellbeing.”
While the causes of the smoke and engine failure during flight LX1885 are currently being investigated, the recent history of incidents raises questions about the long-term viability of relying on the A220 series, particularly as airlines navigate the balance between modern technology and the safety of their fleets.
Swiss Airlines also noted their immediate actions post-incident, including deploying crisis intervention teams and ensuring all affected passengers received appropriate care. With health concerns for the crew member hospitalized, the airline continues to monitor the situation closely, stressing their commitment to ensuring the safety and support of both passengers and personnel.
Arrangements have been made to facilitate psychological support for flight participants, acknowledging the toll experiences like this can take on mental health. The SAE and their subsidiary are under pressure as they address both the operational integrity of their fleet and the emotional wellbeing of their passengers.
With attention now focused on the investigation, the questions remain: what exactly caused the mechanical failures, and what adjustments will be made to prevent future occurrences? Both the airline and aviation authorities are expected to provide updates as the inquiry progresses.
