31-12-2024 (GENEVA) Swiss International Air Lines confirmed the death of a crew member who was hospitalised following an emergency landing incident last week. The crew member, who had been in intensive care at a Graz hospital, passed away on Monday, the airline announced.
The incident occurred on 23 December when an Airbus A220-300, carrying 74 passengers and five crew members on a routine flight from Bucharest to Zurich, was forced to make an emergency landing in Graz, Austria. The diversion was prompted by engine complications that led to smoke infiltrating both the cockpit and passenger cabin.
In a sombre statement, Swiss CEO Jens Fehlinger expressed the airline’s profound grief: “The loss of our young colleague has left our entire organisation in a state of shock. Our hearts go out to the family during this unimaginable time of loss.” The airline has pledged comprehensive support for the bereaved family whilst maintaining discretion regarding the specific details of the crew member’s identity and cause of death.
The emergency landing saw one crew member airlifted to hospital, with another requiring medical attention. Twelve passengers also received medical treatment, though Swiss confirmed that all affected passengers have since been discharged from hospital care.
Oliver Buchhofer, the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, praised the swift response of Graz emergency services whilst acknowledging the devastating impact on the Swiss team. “This tragic loss has deeply affected our entire Swiss family,” he stated.
The carrier has launched a thorough investigation focusing on both mechanical aspects, particularly the engine systems, and the effectiveness of cabin crew protective breathing equipment. Swiss officials are working closely with relevant authorities to determine the precise circumstances that led to this tragic outcome.
A Swiss Airbus A220-300 aircraft from Bucharest to Zurich made an emergency landing in Graz owing to Engine issues and smoke detection in both cockpit and cabin on Monday.
All the 74 passengers were evacuated, but 10 of them and 5 crew members were given medical attention as… pic.twitter.com/Z82QhhkFWq
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) December 23, 2024
