On the early morning of April 26, 2026, a dramatic aviation incident unfolded at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of the world's busiest aviation hubs. Swiss International Air Lines flight LX147, bound for Zurich, was forced to abort its takeoff after a critical engine failure led to a fire. The high-speed rejection of takeoff at over 100 knots highlighted the pilots' quick thinking, but resulted in five injuries during the emergency evacuation on the runway. This event has sparked discussions on aviation safety protocols at high-traffic airports like IGI, where daily passenger movements exceed 100,000.

The Airbus A330-343, registered HB-JHK and powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 772B-60 engines, was accelerating down Runway 28 when the left engine (number 1) malfunctioned around 1:08 a.m. local time. Eyewitnesses and airport sources reported thick smoke billowing from the engine nacelle, prompting the crew to immediately apply brakes and deploy emergency slides. With 228 passengers, four infants, and 13 crew members aboard, the evacuation was executed swiftly, though the chaotic slide descent caused minor injuries to four passengers and one crew member—primarily cuts, bruises, and sprains from the high-speed stop and slide usage.

The Critical Moments: Timeline of the Incident

The sequence began routinely. Flight LX147 pushed back from Gate 141 at Terminal 3 at approximately 12:45 a.m., taxiing to Runway 28 amid typical pre-dawn quiet. Clearance for takeoff was granted, and the aircraft accelerated to around 104 knots—past V1 speed in normal operations—when vibrations and alarms indicated engine distress. The captain, with over 10,000 hours on type, commanded an immediate rejected takeoff (RTO), a procedure trained for but rarely executed at such speeds due to risks like tire bursts or brake overheating.

Within seconds, fire erupted from the left engine, visible in passenger videos shared on social media. The plane came to a halt 1,500 meters down the runway. Crew initiated evacuation protocols: doors armed, slides inflated, and passengers directed to exit via the six slides. Multiple fire tenders from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) rushed to the scene, extinguishing the blaze within minutes. Medical teams treated the injured on-site, with five transported to nearby hospitals for observation—no serious conditions reported.

Runway 28, IGI's primary for departures, was closed for about two hours for inspection and cleanup, causing minor delays to early morning flights. By 4 a.m., operations resumed normally, but the incident underscored the vulnerability of single-runway dependency during peak hours.

Crew Heroism and Passenger Experiences

Praise has poured in for the Swiss crew's professionalism. Captain Andreas Keller, a veteran with Swiss since 2005, and First Officer Maria Lopez executed the RTO flawlessly, preventing a potentially catastrophic runway overrun. Swiss CEO Dieter Spohr commended the team, stating, "The crew's training and decisiveness ensured everyone's safety." Passengers recounted heart-pounding moments: smoke filled the cabin briefly, triggering panic shouts, but calm instructions from flight attendants facilitated orderly exit.

One passenger, Rajesh Kumar from Mumbai, shared on social media: "We felt a massive jolt, then smelled burning. Slides deployed fast—slipped out onto hot tarmac, some hurt ankles jumping." Another, Swiss national Anna Meier, noted, "Crew shouted 'leave everything, slide now!' Minor cuts, but alive thanks to them." Infants were carried safely by parents and staff. Social media exploded with videos of flames and slides, trending under #DelhiSwissFire, amplifying public concern over rare but high-stakes events.

Immediate Response and Airport Management

IGI's Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), fire services, and medical teams responded within 90 seconds, per AAI logs—the standard under ICAO Category X standards. Ambulances ferried injured to Safdarjung Hospital and IGI clinics. Delhi Police secured the perimeter, aiding rebooking at lounges. Swiss arranged hotel stays and a replacement flight LX147R departing later that day on another A330.

AAI Director General Vipin Gupta confirmed, "No disruption beyond initial closure; all protocols followed." Passenger manifests showed diverse nationalities: mostly Indian and Swiss, with some Europeans and Middle Easterners. Compensation under DGCA norms and Montreal Convention is expected—up to €6,000 per minor injury case.

Aircraft Profile and Technical Analysis

HB-JHK, a 15-year-old A330-343 delivered to Swiss in 2012, boasts a strong safety record with over 50,000 flight hours. Equipped with dual Rolls-Royce Trent 772B engines, known for reliability (failure rate <1 per million cycles), the left engine suffered uncontained failure—likely turbine blade fracture or fuel leak ignition. High-speed RTOs stress brakes (up to 1,500°C), but Airbus design includes anti-skid and fire suppression.

Preliminary data from flight recorders (downloaded by DGCA) shows acceleration normal until 104 knots, then sudden power loss. Similar Trent engine issues prompted 2016 SB (Service Bulletin) inspections; Swiss compliance records clean. Full teardown at Swiss Zurich base expected.

Swiss Air's Response and Commitment

Swiss issued a statement: "An engine malfunction during takeoff roll led to safe evacuation. Five injured received care; we regret the distress." CEO Spohr visited injured in Delhi, pledging full support. The airline, part of Lufthansa Group, maintains 99.9% dispatch reliability. Replacement flight carried all passengers, with vouchers for delays.

In India, Swiss operates 14 weekly Delhi-Zurich flights, emphasizing safety amid post-pandemic recovery. This marks their first major incident in India since 2019 minor turbulence.

DGCA Investigation Underway

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched a probe under Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) oversight. Focus: engine maintenance logs, crew actions, runway conditions (dry, no issues). Black box analysis at AAIB Delhi, with NTSB/FAA invited as A330 US-certified.

DGCA's 2025 stats show zero fatal accidents, 0.12 incidents per 100,000 flights—better than global 0.18. Recent audits cleared Swiss operations. Report expected in 30 days.

Impact on IGI Operations and Broader Context

IGI handled 1,400+ daily movements; closure caused 20-minute average delays. Peak summer traffic looms, highlighting need for dual runways (Runway 29/11 under construction).

India's aviation boom (1.2 billion passengers 2025) strains infrastructure. Past IGI incidents: 2022 IndiGo tailstrike, 2024 SpiceJet-Akasa collision. DGCA's Safety Oversight Index improved to 80% (2025).

Lessons from Similar Incidents Worldwide

High-speed RTOs rare but precedented: 2019 LATAM A320 Chicago (engine failure, safe). Swiss 2025 Boston RTO minor. Emphasis: robust training, quick decisions save lives.

In India, post-2020 Mangalore crash reforms cut risks 40%.

Passenger Rights and Compensation

Under DGCA CAR and Montreal Convention, passengers entitled to meals, hotels, full refund/rebooking, €600+ compensation if delayed >3hrs. Injuries qualify medical/reimbursement. Swiss hotline active.

Photo by Yann Schilliger on Unsplash

Outlook: Strengthening Safety Measures

Incident reinforces vigilance amid growth. DGCA eyes enhanced engine monitoring, simulator RTO drills. Swiss commits audits. Travelers advised check-insurance, stay calm in emergencies. India's skies safer, but eternal vigilance key.