Swiss Air flight makes emergency landing in Bangor due to smoke in cabin
A Swiss Air flight from Zurich to New York City made an emergency landing in Bangor on Monday morning due to smoke in the cabin of the aircraft, according to airline officials.
The incident temporarily closed the runway at the Bangor International Airport for a little over a half-hour. The runway reopened around 12:30 p.m., according to Aimee Thibodeau, a spokesperson for the airport.
Airline officials said crew on board Swiss International Air Lines flight LX16 on Monday decided to divert to Bangor due to smoke in the business class section of the flight.
Update: Swissair LX16 (Zurich (ZRH) to New York (JFK)), diverted to Bangor (BGR), has landed safely at 12:14 local. The emergency was resolved. pic.twitter.com/dEce7QABnS
— AeroSignals (@SpotterIntel) July 27, 2026
The plane landed safely and without further incident in Bangor, according to Michael Pelzer, a spokesperson for the airline. Firefighters inspected the aircraft and found no signs of fire or heat. All 208 passengers and crew were safe, he said.
The airline has not been able to identify for certain what caused the smoke. Pelzer said a thorough inspection of the plane will be conducted as part of an investigation, and that until that investigation is complete, the airline will not speculate on the cause.
The Federal Aviation Administration will also investigate, according to a spokesperson for the agency.
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In an email Monday, FAA spokesperson Steve Kulm said crew on the Swiss flight had reported a cockpit fire. He said that information is preliminary and subject to change, however, when asked about the discrepancy with the airline’s description of the issue.
The flight was destined for John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
Pelzer said the airline is working with passengers impacted by the disruption.
“We are coordinating closely with Bangor International Airport and are doing everything we can to find a suitable solution for everyone affected as quickly as possible,” he said.
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Aircraft makes emergency landing at Portland Jetport
Monday’s incident came a few days after a separate emergency landing at the Portland International Jetport.
On Saturday, a Delta Air Lines flight from Portland to New York City returned to the jetport a few minutes after takeoff when a smoke detector on the plane went off due to an electrical issue.
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Tagged: air travel, airport, Bangor International Airport, Portland International Jetport
Rachel covers state government and politics for the Portland Press Herald. It’s her third beat at the paper after stints covering City Hall and education. Prior to her arrival at the Press Herald in. More by Rachel Ohm
