Engine Failure Prompts Emergency Evacuation of Swiss Flight in Delhi

A serious incident occurred at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi early on Sunday, April 26, 2026, when a Swiss International Airlines flight preparing for takeoff experienced engine issues. Smoke was spotted emanating from one of the landing gears, an event that prompted a full emergency declaration at approximately 2 a.m. local time.

The flight, designated LX 147, was bound for Zurich and was carrying 232 passengers along with 13 crew members. As the situation escalated, flames were observed near the aircraft's other landing gear. According to sources, the takeoff was aborted immediately after a malfunction was detected with one of the engines.

In response to the emergency, airport authorities swiftly dispatched multiple fire tenders to the scene. Videos circulating on social media depict firefighters attending to the aircraft, further highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The managing authority at Indira Gandhi International Airport confirmed that all safety protocols were diligently followed during the evacuation process. “In the early hours of this morning, a full emergency was declared... and all prescribed safety protocols were promptly executed,” said a representative from the airport.

Following the incident, the airline issued a statement confirming that the evacuation was conducted using emergency slides, with some passengers requiring stairs due to being unable to access the slides. Six passengers are reported to have sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical evaluation; further details were not disclosed by the airline spokesperson.

“Technical experts from Swiss will travel to New Delhi to examine the aircraft and assess the next steps,” the spokesperson added. Authorities stated that overall airport operations were not adversely affected by the incident.

The event underscores the importance of aviation safety protocols and the swift response necessary in emergencies. The incident is under investigation, with further details expected to emerge as inspections of the aircraft are conducted.