SWISS diverted flight LX9 from Chicago to Zurich to Lajes Airport in the Azores after a strong unidentified odour spread through the economy cabin of a Boeing 777-300ER, prompting an emergency landing on Tuesday. The aircraft touched down safely with 222 passengers and 16 crew members on board, and all were able to disembark normally. SWISS is sending a replacement aircraft to recover the stranded travellers while the original jet is inspected.
About five passengers and one crew member were checked as a precaution after reporting eye irritation, nausea or headaches, but none required further treatment. The source of the odour remains unknown, and the carrier has not speculated on the cause pending a technical examination.
The diversion disrupted a transatlantic rotation linking Zurich and Chicago and also affected the return service pairing. Lajes, on Terceira in the Azores, is a frequent North Atlantic diversion point for long-haul flights crossing between Europe and North America, where crews can land quickly when a cabin-air or smoke-related issue cannot be identified immediately.