A Swiss International Air Lines flight traveling from Zurich to New York City was forced to make an emergency landing at Bangor International Airport on Monday after the flight crew declared an in-flight emergency while crossing the Atlantic.
Swiss International Air Lines Flight LX16, an Airbus A330-300 operating between Zurich Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, diverted to Bangor after the crew transmitted a 7700 squawk code, the internationally recognized signal indicating a general emergency requiring immediate assistance.
The aircraft landed safely at Bangor International Airport at approximately 12:13 p.m., where emergency crews were already positioned along the runway. Multiple Bangor Fire Department engines, rescue units, and ambulances were on standby as a precaution while the wide-body jet completed its emergency landing.
The aircraft came to a stop safely, and no injuries have been reported.
The emergency prompted airport officials to temporarily close Bangor’s primary runway while first responders assessed the situation. Airport spokesperson Aimee Thibodeau confirmed the runway closure. Following the response, the airport was given the all-clear, and normal operations resumed.
Although initial reports indicated the crew had reported a cockpit fire, airport officials have not confirmed the exact cause of the emergency. Local authorities referred all media inquiries regarding the incident to Swiss International Air Lines, which had not publicly released additional details as of Monday afternoon.
Bangor International Airport has long served as an important diversion airport for transatlantic flights because of its strategic location, long runways capable of accommodating large commercial aircraft, and extensive emergency response capabilities. Airlines routinely divert to Bangor when mechanical issues, onboard medical emergencies, or other in-flight situations require an immediate landing.
The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to review the incident as part of its standard procedure for emergency diversions. Swiss International Air Lines has not announced when Flight LX16 or its passengers will continue on to New York.
