A SWISS flight from Delhi to Zurich had to abort takeoff after an engine problem and possible fire, then evacuate all passengers on the runway.
At least six passengers were injured during the evacuation, while the crew was unharmed; SWISS says technical experts are heading to Delhi to investigate.
The SWISS aircraft involved in the incident at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport was an Airbus A330 with the registration HB-JHK.
The aircraft was operating flight LX 147 from Delhi to Zurich when it experienced an engine failure in its number one engine during the takeoff roll early on the morning of April 26, 2026. The crew rejected the takeoff, and all 228 passengers and 4 infants on board were evacuated from the aircraft on the runway using emergency slides.
Six passengers sustained injuries during the evacuation and were subsequently hospitalized.
The injuries are reported to be bone fractures and similar. Nothing life threatening.
From Perplexity
HB-JHK is an Airbus A330-343 aircraft operated by Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS). Below are some key technical and operational details regarding this specific airframe:[1][2]
Aircraft Specifications
- Model: Airbus A330-343[2][7]
- Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN): 1276[1][2]
- Age: Approximately 14.4 years old (first flown in December 2011)[1]
- Delivery Date: January 11, 2012[7]
Operational History
The aircraft, which carries the name “Herisau,” is a long-haul, twin-engine jet primarily used by SWISS for international routes. It features a three-class cabin configuration, typically seating 8 passengers in First Class, 45 in Business, and 183 in Economy. Prior to its delivery to SWISS, the aircraft conducted its test flights under the registration F-WWYI.[3][9][7][1]
Sources
[1] Swiss International Air Lines HB-JHK (Airbus A330 - MSN 1276) https://www.airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-a330-1276.htm
[2] HB-JHK/HBJHK aviation photos on JetPhotos https://www.jetphotos.com/registration/HB-JHK
[3] Herisau - Star Alliance Virtual Herisau - Star Alliance Virtual
[4] HB-JHK Suivi et historique des vols - FlightAware HB-JHK Flight Tracking and History - FlightAware
[5] HB-JHK Swiss Airbus A330-300 - Planespotters.net https://www.planespotters.net/airframe/airbus-a330-300-hb-jhk-swiss/edzpox
[6] Swiss Air Flight’s Engine Fails, Catches Fire During Takeoff In Delhi … https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/6-injured-as-swiss-air-flights-engine-fails-catches-fire-at-delhi-airport-11410300
[7] Airbus A330-343, Swiss, F-WWYI, HB-JHK (MSN 1276) | AIB … https://aviation.flights/aib/A330/1276
[8] Swiss International Airlines flight aborts takeoff at Delhi airport Delhi airport scare: Swiss International Airlines flight aborts takeoff, six passengers injured during evacuation
[9] [PDF] Final Report No. 2435 by the Swiss Transportation Safety … https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/HB-JHI_SB_e.pdf
[10] SWISS Airbus Aborts Takeoff at Delhi Airport After Engine Malfunction SWISS Airbus Aborts Takeoff at Delhi Airport After Engine Malfunction; Six Passengers Injured - Indian PSU | Public Sector Undertaking News
I traveled on flight LX 2647 from Delhi to Zurich on 24th April. The aircraft featured older interior fittings, most likely the same aircraft type.
Your aircraft was HB‑JHI, another Airbus A330-300.
Thanks for checking the aircraft, appreciate it! That’s why I mentioned “aircraft type”. I hadn’t actually checked the specific plane.
Since the past few years, I’ve avoided flying Swiss on this route due to their outdated cabins and declining service. However, because of the situation with the Iran war, I decided to give them a try.
Unfortunately, nothing has improved. The aircraft interiors feel about 15 years old, and the food and service was disappointing. When I asked for a Coke, I was told to help myself at the back. All the bottles cap were left open, and the Coke itself tasted more like syrup.
Well the aircraft is 15 years old. They have begun refurbishing the cabins on the A330-300s with reports that the first A330-300s should enter the program in the coming weeks although that may be delayed now with one aircraft out of service. The fleet program is expected to run at roughly one aircraft every six weeks. With 14 A330s in the fleet, the total project would likely finish in late 2027 or early 2028.