NEW DELHI : A Swiss International Air Lines flight bound for Zurich aborted take-off at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport early Sunday after smoke and flames were seen near its landing gear, forcing an emergency evacuation and leaving six passengers injured.
The incident occurred around 2 am when flight LX147 from Delhi to Zurich was preparing for departure on Runway 28/10. Airport authorities declared a full emergency after smoke was noticed coming from the aircraft’s left landing gear, while flames were also reportedly seen near another landing gear.
Multiple fire tenders were rushed to the scene as emergency response teams activated safety protocols.
The airline later said the take-off was rejected after an issue occurred with one of the engines. Following an assessment, the crew decided to evacuate the aircraft as a precaution.
“All passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft via the emergency slides,” the airline said in a statement. It added that six passengers sustained minor injuries, while four were undergoing medical evaluation. For a few passengers unable to use the emergency slides, stairs were arranged.
Airport operator Delhi International Airport Ltd said all prescribed safety procedures were followed and passengers were safely evacuated.
“In the early hours of this morning, a full emergency was declared at Delhi Airport involving Swiss International Airlines flight LX147 on Runway 28/10. Airport operations remained unaffected,” the airport authority said.
Videos circulating on social media showed firefighters spraying water on the aircraft as smoke rose from the undercarriage.
The airline said technical experts would be sent to New Delhi to inspect the aircraft and determine the next course of action.
