Delhi–Zurich Flight Aborted After Wheel Smoke Scare, Passengers Evacuated Safely

New Delhi: A late-night flight from New Delhi to Zurich was halted moments before takeoff after smoke was spotted rising from one of the aircraft’s wheels, triggering an emergency evacuation and brief panic among passengers.

The flight, operated by Swiss International Air Lines, was scheduled to depart around 1:00 am with 232 passengers—including four children—and 13 crew members on board.

As the aircraft began its takeoff roll at Indira Gandhi International Airport, the crew detected smoke coming from the left side of the main landing gear.

Recognizing the potential risk, the pilots immediately aborted takeoff and activated emergency protocols.

The aircraft was brought to a safe stop, and passengers were evacuated using emergency slides.

While the evacuation was carried out swiftly, six passengers sustained minor injuries in the process and were given prompt medical attention.

Airport authorities and airline staff coordinated efforts to ensure passenger safety and minimize disruption.

According to sources, a team of technical experts from Switzerland is expected to arrive in Delhi to inspect the aircraft and determine the cause of the smoke.

The airline is also arranging alternative travel plans so passengers can continue their journey to Zurich with minimal delay.

Similar Incidents in India

India has witnessed a few aviation safety scares in recent years.

One notable case occurred in 2022, when a SpiceJet aircraft reported smoke in the cabin shortly after takeoff, forcing an emergency landing.

Though no major injuries were reported, the incident raised concerns about maintenance and operational safety standards.

Another widely remembered tragedy is the 2020 crash of Air India Express Flight 1344.

While it did not involve mid-air fire, it highlighted how quickly situations can escalate during critical flight phases like takeoff and landing.

Major Global Incident Involving Aircraft Fire

Globally, one of the most dramatic recent incidents occurred in January 2024 involving Japan Airlines Flight 516’s collision.

After colliding with a coast guard aircraft on landing at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, the passenger plane caught fire.

Despite the شدت of the blaze, all passengers were safely evacuated—an outcome widely credited to effective crew training and emergency preparedness.

Another earlier example is the Emirates Flight 521 crash, where the aircraft caught fire after a hard landing. All passengers survived, though the aircraft was destroyed.

A Close Call, A Safe Outcome

While the Delhi incident caused understandable alarm, it ultimately underscores how critical timely decision-making and strict safety protocols are in aviation.

The crew’s quick response prevented what could have turned into a far more serious situation—ensuring that, despite the scare, everyone made it out safely.