New Delhi: A major aviation scare unfolded at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Saturday night when a Swiss Air passenger aircraft bound for Zurich experienced a sudden engine fire during its takeoff run, prompting an immediate emergency response and the full evacuation of passengers. The incident caused immediate panic among airport operations and triggered emergency coordination across multiple response units within minutes.
Take-Off Turns Into Terror on Runway 28
Flight LX147, carrying 232 passengers and crew members, was accelerating on runway 28 when engine number one reportedly developed a technical malfunction, followed by visible flames and smoke, prompting the cockpit crew to take rapid emergency action. The situation escalated rapidly as warning alarms were activated inside the cockpit and cabin.
According to preliminary airport control information, the aircraft reached approximately 104 knots when the pilots immediately aborted the takeoff sequence and brought the aircraft to a controlled emergency halt on the runway. Air traffic controllers closely monitored the situation and cleared the runway for emergency handling without delay, suspending surrounding aircraft movements immediately for safety.
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Following the sudden emergency, the cabin crew swiftly initiated evacuation procedures, deploying emergency slides and guiding passengers out in an urgent yet coordinated manner amid smoke alerts and panic in the cabin. Passengers reported confusion and visible smoke inside the cabin moments before evacuation began, but crew members maintained strict discipline during the emergency exit process.
Six Injured as Emergency Slides Deploy Amid Panic
Officials stated that all 232 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft within minutes, although panic was reported during the evacuation process due to smoke, noise, and sudden fire warnings inside the aircraft. Airport medical teams were already on standby at the runway to assist injured passengers immediately, while authorities began preliminary documentation of the incident for investigation purposes.
At least six passengers sustained minor injuries while using the emergency evacuation slides, primarily due to slip incidents and panic-related movement. They were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment and observation. Some passengers suffered bruises and sprains from rapid sliding and sudden impacts during evacuation. Airport doctors confirmed that all injuries were non-life-threatening and stable.
Runway Shut, Flights Delayed After Fiery Scare
Airport authorities confirmed that runway 28 was temporarily shut down following the incident, leading to significant disruptions in flight operations, schedule delays, and the diversion of multiple incoming and outgoing flights at IGI Airport. Flight operations across multiple terminals were briefly affected as precautionary measures were implemented. Airlines issued advisories for passengers facing delays and rescheduling issues.
Emergency response teams, including airport fire services, technical rescue units, and ground safety personnel, were quickly deployed to the site to control the situation, secure the aircraft, and prevent the fire from spreading further. Fire suppression systems were activated on the ground as a preventive measure, while teams ensured that no fuel leakage or secondary hazard occurred after evacuation.
Swiss Air has reportedly activated a dedicated emergency task force to assist affected passengers, coordinate alternative travel arrangements, and provide accommodation and support services for those stranded due to the unexpected disruption. The airline also set up a helpline for affected passengers and their families. Coordination with Indian airport authorities was initiated for passenger assistance and logistics.
Crew’s Quick Action Prevents Bigger Aviation Disaster
Preliminary assessments suggest a technical malfunction in the engine system, although a detailed investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the fire incident that occurred during the critical take-off phase of the flight. Experts have not ruled out mechanical wear or maintenance-related issues.
Aviation safety experts noted that a successful aborted take-off in such high-risk situations reflects strong crew training and quick decision-making, as even minor delays in response could have resulted in a far more serious disaster. Such training exercises are regularly conducted to prepare crews for extreme scenarios.
Operations at the airport are expected to normalize gradually as clearance work, technical inspections, and safety assessments continue on the affected runway to restore full operational capacity at the busy international airport. Authorities expect full runway restoration after safety clearance and final inspections are completed. Normal flight schedules are likely to resume once operational safety is fully confirmed.
