Full Breakdown
Engine Fire Forces Emergency Evacuation of Swiss Flight LX147 at Delhi Airport
4/28/2026, 9:48:31 AM
Engine Fire Triggers Emergency Evacuation
On early Sunday, 26 April 2026, Swiss International Air Lines flight LX147, an Airbus A330-300 (HB-JHK), suffered an engine fire while accelerating for take-off from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. At about 120 mph (? 104 knots) on Runway 28/10, the crew rejected the take-off, halted the aircraft, and ordered an evacuation via emergency slides. The runway was closed for roughly three hours while the aircraft was removed.
Flight Profile and Numbers
LX147 was bound for Zurich, carrying either 232 passengers (including four infants) and 13 crew, as reported by Indian media, or 228 passengers and four infants per the airline’s statement. Injuries were reported as four passengers and one crew member with a sprained ankle, later updated to six passengers requiring medical care. All injured were taken to Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon.
Official Statements & Responses
Swiss International Air Lines said an engine issue occurred shortly after 1 a.m., prompting the crew to abort take-off and evacuate as a precaution. The airline set up a task force, issued contact cards, and arranged re-booking and hotel accommodation, stressing cooperation with local authorities. Indira Gandhi International Airport confirmed a full emergency declaration and the three-hour runway closure. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have opened investigations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the number of injured persons (four passengers + one crew versus six passengers) and on the total passenger count (232 versus 228). Speed at the time of abort is reported as “almost 120 mph” by Indian media and “104 knots” by flight-tracking data. No definitive cause of the engine fire has been released, and details on the condition of the engine remain pending.
On-the-Ground Observations
All occupants exited via emergency slides; passengers unable to use slides were assisted with stairs. Four injured individuals were initially taken to Medanta Hospital, with two later leaving against medical advice. The runway remained closed for three hours while the aircraft was towed off. Airport officials reported that safety protocols were executed without further incident.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Shortly after takeoff, just after 1 a.m. local time in India, an issue occurred with one of the engines. The crew rejected the takeoff and, following an assessment of the situation, decided as a precaution to evacuate the aircraft,” — Swiss International Air Lines.
- “We are working closely with the local authorities,” the statement read.” — Swiss International Air Lines.
- “In the early hours of this morning, a full emergency was declared at Delhi Airport involving Swiss International Airlines flight LX 147 (DEL-ZRH) on Runway 28/10,” — Indira Gandhi International Airport.
- “Passengers have been provided contact cards, and our teams are in direct contact with them,” — Swiss International Air Lines.
What’s Next
AAIB, DGCA and EASA will conduct a formal investigation; Swiss technical teams will inspect the aircraft in Delhi. Passengers are being rebooked and accommodated pending the outcome.
