Delhi airport emergency: SWISS reviews evacuation messaging after passengers carry bags on slides

NEW DELHI: SWISS has begun reviewing its communication on evacuation procedures to reinforce the need for passengers to exit aircraft immediately without collecting cabin baggage or carrying it onto emergency slides. Apart from delaying evacuation as passengers open overhead bins to retrieve their belongings, cabin bags and pointy footwear can damage inflatable slides.

The evacuation of 245 people from a Zurich-bound Airbus A330 on Delhi airport’s main runway in the early hours of Sunday — after take-off was aborted due to engine failure and suspected engine fire — once again saw several passengers using the slides with their cabin bags. Airline officials stressed that this is a common challenge faced by carriers worldwide during emergency evacuations and is not specific to India.

Meanwhile, three of the four passengers who were hospitalised after being injured on Sunday morning have been discharged, while one remains under medical care. The Zurich-based Lufthansa Group airline is awaiting clearance from authorities here — with India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau probing this serious incident — to inspect the engine and determine if it needs to be replaced. The aircraft reached a speed of 104 knots or 193 kmph when take-off had to be abandoned due to engine failure.

SWISS COO Oliver Buchhofer said: "... Our crews are extensively trained for (evacuations)... This also means giving very clear and loud commands in such moment... so that everyone can react quickly and safely..... we see there is still a need for greater awareness, particularly when it comes to hand baggage. For a fast and safe evacuation, it is crucial that personal belongings are left behind. We are now reviewing how we can further strengthen communication on this topic."

Giving an update on Monday, SWISS said in a statement: "Three passengers have since been discharged from hospital, while one passenger remains under medical care. The Zurich-based crew members arrived in Zurich (Monday) morning. The three Delhi-based cabin crew members are well and have remained in Delhi. All of them will continue to receive support from supervisors and specialists as needed."

The airline says it is "currently awaiting clearance of the aircraft by Indian authorities. Once approval has been granted, a SWISS technical team will carry out a detailed inspection of the engine and assess whether an engine replacement is required. It is currently unclear when the Airbus A330 will be able to return to Zurich."

SWISS flight operations have not been impacted by the grounding of this wide-body aircraft in Delhi and no flights have been cancelled due to the same.

"We deeply regret the inconvenience caused. Together with our colleagues from the Lufthansa Group, we provided support to passengers on site and worked intensively to arrange alternative travel options. Individual onward travel solutions have been found for all guests, and we remain in contact with them," the airline statement added.
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