In the early hours of Sunday, a routine international departure from Delhi turned into a tense evacuation on the runway, after a Swiss International Air Lines aircraft developed an engine fire just seconds before liftoff. What followed was a rapid chain of decisions that likely prevented a far more serious disaster.
The incident involved SWISS flight LX147, an Airbus A330 operating from Delhi to Zurich, which began its takeoff roll at around 1:08 am at Indira Gandhi International Airport. As the aircraft accelerated down Runway 28, one of its engines failed and caught fire, prompting the pilots to immediately abort takeoff.
According to reports, the aircraft had already gathered significant speed—around 104 knots—when the malfunction occurred. Smoke and flames were observed near the engine and landing gear, triggering a full emergency response at the airport.
The flight was carrying around 232 passengers, including four infants, along with crew members.
Chaos On The Runway — Evacuation Leaves Six Injured
With fire confirmed, the crew initiated an emergency evacuation directly on the runway using inflatable slides. Passengers exited the aircraft onto the tarmac in the dark, a process that, while swift, led to injuries.
Six passengers were hurt during the evacuation and later hospitalised, with reports indicating they were taken to a nearby private hospital for treatment.
Airport authorities declared a full emergency, and the runway remained temporarily blocked until the aircraft could be secured and moved. Despite the fire, there were no fatalities, and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.
What Happens Next — Probe, Repairs, And Passenger Disruption
Swiss International Air Lines has confirmed that a technical investigation is underway, with specialists being dispatched to inspect the aircraft. The Airbus A330 involved has been grounded for detailed checks.
The airline has also begun rebooking passengers and arranging accommodation as needed, while aviation regulators are expected to review the incident under standard safety protocols.
While such incidents remain rare, similar takeoff aborts due to technical faults have occurred in recent months. In 2025, multiple flights at Delhi airport—including those operated by Air India—were forced to abort takeoff due to technical snags, though without injuries.
Globally, engine-related aborts have also surfaced, such as a 2025 Swiss flight in Boston that halted takeoff after visible flames from an engine.
Aviation experts note that the takeoff roll is among the most critical moments in flight, where decisions must be made within seconds. In this case, the crew’s quick reaction and adherence to emergency protocols ensured that what could have escalated into a major disaster was contained to injuries during evacuation.
(With inputs from various sources)
FAQs
1. What happened to SWISS flight LX147 in Delhi?
SWISS flight LX147, an Airbus A330, aborted takeoff at Delhi airport after an engine caught fire during the takeoff roll.
2. Were there any casualties in the incident?
There were no fatalities. However, six passengers were injured during the emergency evacuation and were hospitalised.
3. How many people were on board the flight?
The aircraft was carrying around 232 passengers, including infants, along with crew members.
4. What caused the takeoff to be aborted?
The pilots aborted takeoff after detecting an engine failure and fire, following standard aviation safety protocols.
5. What happens after such an aviation incident?
The aircraft is grounded for inspection, authorities launch an investigation, and airlines assist passengers with rebooking and accommodation.
