Swiss Air flight forced into emergency landing after smoke fills cabin | World | News

A passenger jet was forced to make an emergency landing after smoke was reported on board. Crew on Swiss International Air Lines flight LX16, travelling from Zurich to New York, diverted the aircraft to Bangor International Airport in Maine, USA, on Monday morning after smoke was detected in the business class cabin, the airline said.

The aircraft landed safely in Bangor without further incident and prompted the temporary closure of the airport’s runway. The runway reopened at after 30 minutes at around 12.30pm local time, airport spokesperson Aimee Thibodeau said. Michael Pelzer, a spokesperson for Swiss International Air Lines, said firefighters inspected the aircraft after it landed but found no signs of fire or heat. He confirmed that all 208 passengers and crew members were safe. Airline officials said they have not yet identified the cause of the smoke. Pelzer said a thorough inspection of the aircraft would now be carried out as part of an investigation and stressed the airline would not speculate on what caused the smoke until that process had been completed.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also investigating the incident.

In an email on Monday, FAA spokesperson Steve Kulm said the crew on the Swiss flight had reported a cockpit fire. However, he also said the information was preliminary and subject to change.

The comment came after he was asked about the difference between the FAA’s preliminary account and the airline’s description of smoke in the business class section of the aircraft.

The flight had been scheduled to arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

Pelzer said the airline was now working with passengers affected by the disruption.

He said: “We are coordinating closely with Bangor International Airport and are doing everything we can to find a suitable solution for everyone affected as quickly as possible.”