SWISS flight makes emergency landing in Bangor after smoke reported in cabin; cockpit fire prompted diversion

A Swiss International Air Lines Airbus A330 made an emergency landing at Bangor International Airport on Monday after smoke filled the forward section of Business Class. The flight, LX-16, departed Zurich at around 10:30 a.m. for New York's JFK Airport with 208 passengers on board.⁴⁸

The incident unfolded around 12:13 p.m. when the crew reported a cockpit fire to air traffic control. According to audio obtained by ABC News, the pilots stated they were "not able to put it out" but later indicated that "the smoke situation" had improved before landing. The aircraft descended more than 22,000 feet in just 10 minutes as the situation escalated.

Upon landing, the Bangor Fire Department was on standby with multiple fire trucks and ambulances. Fortunately, local fire officials found no signs of fire or heat after inspecting the aircraft. Passengers reported an electrical smell, with one suggesting it may have originated from a seat.⁶⁷

The runway was closed for just over an hour, causing delays for other flights. SWISS spokesperson Michael Pelzer acknowledged the unsettling nature of such diversions for passengers, stating, "We are aware that a diversion prompted by such circumstances can be unsettling for our passengers and cause uncertainty." The FAA has announced an investigation into the incident.⁵

The airline is currently working to arrange onward travel for affected customers, and the runway was reopened shortly after 1:30 p.m. after the incident was cleared.