Incident Overview
Six passengers were injured and hospitalised after a Swiss Air (SWISS) flight from Delhi to Zurich aborted takeoff and was evacuated on the runway at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi in the early hours of Sunday, April 26, 2026. The incident occurred when one of the aircraft’s engines failed and caught fire during the takeoff roll, prompting the crew to stop the aircraft and initiate an emergency evacuation.
The flight, identified as LX 147, was operating an Airbus A330 with 232 passengers, including four infants, and the crew on board when the problem arose at around 1:08 am on runway 28.
How the Evacuation Unfolded
The crew rejected the takeoff once the engine failure and fire were detected at a speed of about 104 knots, then assessed the situation and decided to evacuate the aircraft as a precaution. Passengers and crew were evacuated via emergency slides, with stairs provided for those unable to use the slides.
Local airport emergency services responded quickly, facilitating the evacuation and transporting the six injured passengers to Medanta hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. The airline later confirmed that the crew members were unharmed and that all passengers and crew were safely off the aircraft.
Airline and Airport Response
SWISS issued a statement explaining that the crew acted in line with safety protocols, rejecting the takeoff and evacuating the aircraft to ensure passenger safety. The airline added that it is working with local teams to rebook passengers, arrange hotel accommodation, and provide ongoing assistance to those affected.
Airport authorities at IGIA also confirmed that the runway was cleared safely and that operations were resumed after the incident was contained. The episode has prompted fresh scrutiny of engine‑failure drills and emergency‑evacuation procedures at one of India’s busiest aviation hubs.
What This Means for Passengers and Safety
While such emergency evacuations are rare, this incident highlights the importance of rapid crew response and robust emergency‑management systems during high‑speed ground phases of flight. The fact that there were no fatalities and that injuries were limited to six individuals underscores the effectiveness of the evacuation, even though the situation was inherently risky.
For travelers, the episode serves as a reminder that modern aviation safety protocols, including timely evacuation and on‑ground medical support, can mitigate the impact of serious technical failures during taxi and takeoff.
