SWISS flight diverts to Kazakhstan due to medical emergency, faces technical setback

A SWISS flight en route from Tokyo Narita to Zurich made an unscheduled stop in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Saturday due to a medical emergency onboard. Flight LX161, operating Boeing 777-300ER registered HB-JNI, landed safely in Astana, where the affected passenger was promptly handed over to local medical personnel.

The incident took a complicated turn when the aircraft became temporarily stranded during taxiing. Due to a closed taxiway at Astana’s airport, the crew had to manoeuvre the plane on the runway, resulting in the nose wheel getting stuck in the grass. The aircraft required towing back to the runway and is now undergoing inspections by specialists to assess potential damage.

SWISS has announced that they are working urgently to arrange onward travel for the 319 passengers. With limited rebooking options available in Astana, the airline is also considering dispatching a replacement aircraft and crew from Zurich to complete the journey.

UPDATE 17 Aug 22:00

SWISS passengers to continue journey after emergency landing with help from Austrian Airlines

Following an unscheduled landing in Astana, Kazakhstan, SWISS is receiving support from its sister airline, Austrian Airlines, to transport stranded passengers. Austrian Airlines is deploying a Boeing 777-200ER with registration OE-LPC and flight number OS1301 to fly the affected passengers from Astana to Vienna, where they will be rebooked on flights to Zurich or their final destinations.

SWISS expressed regret for the disruption and extended gratitude to both the Astana Airport staff and Austrian Airlines for their swift assistance. “Our crew and the staff in Astana are doing everything possible to ensure the comfort of our passengers,” the airline said on X (formerly Twitter). “We sincerely thank Austrian Airlines for stepping in.”