Created Tuesday, Aug 25th 2026 09:40Z, last updated Friday, Sep 4th 2026 15:25Z
A Swiss International Airlines Boeing 777-300, registration HB-JNF performing flight
LX-9 (dep Aug 24th) from Chicago O'Hare,IL (USA) to Zurich (Switzerland) with 222 passengers and 16 crew, was enroute at FL370 about 780nm northnorthwest of Lajes, Terceira (Portugal) when the crew decided to divert to Lajes due to an acrid odour in the economy class. The aircraft landed safely on Lajes' runway 33 about 90 minutes later. Five passenger and one cabin crew needed medical attention.
The airline reported an unidentifyable pungent odour in the economy class prompted the crew to divert as a precaution. 5 passengers and one cabin crew showed symptoms like irritated eyes, nausea and headache and were medically checked, no further treatment was necessary. The cause of the odour is still unclear. A replacement aircraft has been dispatched to Lajes.
A replacement Boeing 777-300 registration HB-JNK is scheduled to depart for Terceira at 14:00L (Zurich time, 12:00Z).
On Sep 4th 2026 the Canadian TSB reported there was an unusual chemical or electrical odour/fumes at the left side of the cabin between seat rows 32 and 36. Cabin crew inspected overhead lockers, baggage underneath passenger seats, checked ventilation outlets and questioned the passengers, no source of the odour was identified. Cabin power was turned off, but the odour persisted. Passengers and cabin crew reported about eye, nose or throat irritation. The flight crew declared emergency and diverted to Lajes. The cockpit remained unaffected. After landing emergency services inspected cabin and cargo holds, no source of the odour could be identiifed. A subsequent examination by maintenance personnel and extensive troubleshooting including engine runs did not reveal a source of the fumes.
Related Flight:
LX9,
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