Boston Logan International Airport, September 17, 2025
News Summary
A ground stop was enacted at Boston Logan International Airport after a Swiss International Air Lines Airbus A330 experienced an engine problem, resulting in smoke and flames. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the aircraft returned safely to the gate. The ground stop was lifted by 8:00 p.m., allowing normal operations to resume shortly after. Emergency responders followed standardized procedures to address the incident, with thorough assessments conducted on the aircraft to ensure safety.
Boston — A ground stop was put in place at Boston Logan International Airport Tuesday evening after a Swiss International Air Lines aircraft experienced an engine problem that produced smoke and visible flames. The incident involved an Airbus A330 scheduled to fly from Boston to Zurich. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, and the aircraft returned to its gate under its own power. The ground stop was lifted by 8:00 p.m., according to MassPort.
What happened
Just before 6:00 p.m., smoke and flames erupted from one of the engines of a Swiss International Air Lines Airbus A330 that had stopped on the runway. Video circulating from the scene showed a large burst of fire coming from the rear of the aircraft. Emergency responders from the airport fire department were dispatched to assess and address the engine fire. After inspection and on-site assessment, the plane was able to taxi back to the gate on its own.
Immediate impact
Airport authorities implemented a ground stop while emergency services responded, temporarily halting departures and arrivals to ensure safety and clear the runway and taxiway areas. The ground stop was rescinded by 8:00 p.m., allowing normal operations to resume. Officials indicated the incident is being treated as developing, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Passenger and crew safety
All passengers and crew aboard the flight were reported to be unharmed. The aircraft did not require evacuation on the runway and was able to return to the gate under its own power, where inspections and assessments were conducted by fire and maintenance personnel. No additional aircraft or personnel were reported injured during response activities.
Response and procedures
Airport fire crews responded to the engine fire to secure the scene and check for any residual risk. Standard aviation emergency procedures call for a rapid response to engine fires, both to protect people and to preserve aircraft safety. After the situation was stabilized, maintenance and safety teams examined the affected engine to determine the cause and to verify the aircraft’s condition before any further movement or removal from service.
Operational follow-up
MassPort lifted the ground stop after confirming that the immediate risk had been managed and that runway and taxiway operations could resume safely. Airlines and airport operations typically coordinate with maintenance teams and regulators to determine whether an aircraft is fit to fly or must be taken out of service pending repairs or a detailed technical inspection.
Background and context
Engine malfunctions and fires are treated as serious safety events in aviation, triggering standardized emergency responses that include dispatching fire and rescue crews and, when needed, implementing airport ground stops. A ground stop temporarily halts departures and often affects arrivals to maintain safety and operational control until the situation is resolved. Returning an aircraft to the gate under its own power is generally preferable to an evacuation on the runway, provided the crew judges it safe to do so.
Investigations into engine incidents typically involve the airline’s maintenance team, airport authorities, and the aircraft manufacturer or engine maker depending on initial findings. Regulators and safety investigators may also be notified to review the event and any contributing factors once technical assessments are completed.
Ongoing updates
The incident remains under review. Authorities and the airline are expected to provide further details about the cause of the engine failure and any operational effects on the airline’s schedule. Passengers affected by the ground stop are advised to check with their carriers for the latest flight status and rebooking options.
FAQ
What exactly happened at Boston Logan?
An Airbus A330 operated by Swiss International Air Lines experienced an engine problem that produced smoke and visible flames while on the runway. Fire crews responded, no injuries were reported, and the aircraft returned to the gate under its own power.
Was anyone hurt?
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew according to initial reports from airport authorities and emergency responders.
What is a ground stop and why was one issued?
A ground stop is a temporary pause of aircraft movements into and out of an airport to ensure safety and to allow emergency responders to secure an incident. The ground stop at Logan was issued while crews responded to the engine fire and was lifted once the situation was under control.
How long did the ground stop last?
The ground stop was lifted by 8:00 p.m., approximately two hours after the initial report of the engine problem that occurred just before 6:00 p.m.
Will the aircraft fly again soon?
The aircraft underwent on-site assessment by fire and maintenance personnel. Decisions about returning the aircraft to service will be based on the findings of those inspections and any additional technical checks required by the airline and aviation regulators.
What should passengers do if their flight was affected?
Passengers should contact their airline for the latest status, rebooking options, or assistance. Airport information desks and airline customer service counters can provide guidance on accommodations or alternative travel arrangements.
Useful information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Boston Logan International Airport |
| Airline | Swiss International Air Lines |
| Aircraft type | Airbus A330 |
| Incident time | Just before 6:00 p.m. (fire observed); ground stop lifted by 8:00 p.m. |
| Injuries | None reported |
| Current status | Incident under review; aircraft inspected on site; operations resumed after ground stop lifted |
| Recommended action for passengers | Contact the airline for flight status and rebooking; check airport displays and service desks for updates |
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Additional Resources
- The Patriot Ledger
- CBS News
- NBC Boston
- Travel and Tour World
- Wikipedia: Boston Logan International Airport
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