A SWISS Boeing 777-300ER carrying 319 passengers became caught in a grassy area of Astana International Airport (NQZ) in Kazakhstan after diverting due to a medical emergency.
The incident occurred on August 17, 2024, when flight LX161, operating a Boeing 777-300ER with registration HB-JNI, was flying from Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo to Zurich Airport (ZRH).
After the aircraft landed, the B777-300ER’s nose became stuck in a grassy area.
The aircraft had to be towed back to the runway and was examined for damages.
Meanwhile, the passenger suffering a medical issue was handed over to medical staff on-site. None of the passengers onboard were reported to be injured.
Austrian Airlines, a sister carrier of SWISS, came to the rescue by deploying one of its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, with registration OE-LPC to Astana International Airport. It then picked up the affected SWISS passengers, and under flight OS1301, carried passengers to Vienna International Airport (VIE).
SWISS then dispatched a B777 to Vienna in order to collect its passengers for their onward journey and final destination to Zurich.