A Swiss International Airlines flight from Zurich to New York was forced to divert to Bangor International Airport in Maine after smoke filled the business class cabin on July 27.
The Airbus A330-300, operating as flight LX16, was about five hours into its transatlantic journey when the crew declared an emergency by squawking code 7700.
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The pilots requested to land at the nearest suitable airport. Bangor was chosen due to its customs facilities, long runway, and low congestion.
Emergency crews were on standby as the aircraft landed around 11:15 AM local time.
The local fire department found no signs of fire or heat inside the plane.
All 208 passengers and crew onboard were unharmed.
Swiss International Airlines acknowledged the incident, stating, "We are aware that a diversion prompted by such circumstances can be unsettling for our passengers and cause uncertainty.
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This makes it all the more important to us to provide them with the best possible care and support them with their onward travel."
The airline confirmed that teams in Switzerland and the United States are working quickly to arrange onward travel for affected passengers and coordinating closely with Bangor International Airport.
Aircraft and Investigation
The Airbus A330 involved, registration HB-JHK, is a 14.6-year-old aircraft with a capacity of 236 passengers.
It was delivered to Swiss in January 2012 and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 772B-60 engines.
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The Federal Aviation Administration and Swiss International Airlines have launched an investigation into the source of the smoke that prompted the emergency diversion.
