A Swiss Air international flight traveling from Zurich, Switzerland, to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) was forced to divert to Bangor International Airport in Maine on Monday after declaring an in-flight emergency.
The aircraft, an Airbus A330-300, landed safely at Bangor, where emergency response teams, including airport fire and rescue crews, were already positioned along the runway as a precaution.
Following the landing, airport officials issued a full stop on runway operations, temporarily closing the runway while emergency personnel responded to the aircraft. The diversion caused operational disruptions at Bangor International Airport as crews assessed the situation.
Flight tracking data showed the aircraft had departed from Zurich and was crossing the Atlantic en route to New York before changing course and heading to Bangor. The exact nature of the emergency has not yet been disclosed by Swiss Air or airport authorities.
Despite the emergency response, the aircraft landed safely, and no injuries have been reported so far. Authorities are expected to inspect the aircraft before determining when it can continue its journey.
Bangor International Airport is a well-known diversion airport for transatlantic flights because of its strategic location and ability to accommodate large wide-body aircraft during in-flight emergencies.
More information is expected as Swiss Air and airport officials release additional details about the incident.
