An Airbus A330 operated by Swiss International Air Lines aborted its takeoff from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport early Sunday after an engine fire, forcing an emergency evacuation that left six passengers injured.
The flight, scheduled for Zurich, began its roll at 1:08 a.m. Local time when one of the engines failed and ignited. Crew members rejected the takeoff and initiated evacuation via slides, though a small number of passengers unable to use the slides were assisted down by stairs. All 228 passengers and four infants aboard were evacuated from the aircraft, which remained on the runway until it could be towed clear.
Swiss confirmed the injured were receiving medical attention, while crew members were unharmed. The airline said it had activated a crisis response team and was working with local authorities to accommodate passengers, providing hotel vouchers and rebooking assistance, along with contact cards to ensure ongoing communication.
Images of the evacuation circulated on social media, showing passengers descending the inflatable chutes onto the tarmac under the pre-dawn lights of the airport. The runway was temporarily closed until the aircraft was removed, disrupting early morning traffic at one of India’s busiest aviation hubs.
Swiss emphasized that safety remained its top priority and announced that technical specialists would travel to Delhi to inspect the aircraft and determine the cause of the engine failure. The airline said it would cooperate fully with investigators but offered no speculation on whether the issue stemmed from mechanical failure, maintenance oversight, or external factors.
The incident adds to a growing scrutiny of Airbus A330 operations in high-temperature environments, though officials cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigation concludes. Delhi’s airport, operating at over 200 meters above sea level, subjects engines to increased stress during takeoff, particularly in the pre-dawn hours when air density fluctuates.
While no fatalities occurred, the event underscores the thin margin between routine procedure and crisis in modern aviation, where split-second crew decisions can prevent catastrophe — but not always prevent injury.
What caused the engine to fail and catch fire?
The airline has not disclosed the specific cause, stating that a technical investigation is underway and that specialists will inspect the aircraft in Delhi to determine what went wrong.
Were any passengers or crew in serious condition?
Six passengers were injured during the evacuation and taken to hospital for treatment; all crew members were reported unharmed by the airline.
How did the incident affect airport operations?
The runway was temporarily closed while the aircraft was removed, causing delays to other flights during the early morning period, though normal operations resumed after the plane was towed clear.
