Boston Logan International Airport, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Swiss International Air Lines Flight 55, heading to Zurich, aborted its takeoff from Boston Logan International Airport after the crew detected engine problems. Passengers reported flames and smoke from one engine as the plane attempted to lift off. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident, while emergency response teams managed the situation on the runway. Passengers were able to leave the airport about five hours later.
Boston
Swiss International Air Lines Flight 55, bound for Zurich, Switzerland, aborted its takeoff from Boston Logan International Airport on the evening of September 16 after the flight crew detected engine problems. The aircraft stopped on Runway 22R around 6:25 p.m. local time, and video from the scene showed flames and smoke from one engine as the plane attempted to lift off. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
Immediate consequences
Following the aborted takeoff, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for some arrivals to Logan Airport while first responders secured the scene. Emergency personnel surrounded the disabled aircraft on the runway, and passengers were later allowed to disembark and depart the airport approximately five hours after the initial incident.
What officials and airline representatives reported
The FAA indicated the crew stopped the takeoff because of engine issues. A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) said the flight returned to the airport after a crew reported hearing a loud noise from an engine. Massport and the FAA referred further inquiries to the airline. The FAA has opened a formal investigation into the events leading up to the aborted takeoff.
Passenger accounts and onboard response
Passengers described feeling a sudden jolt as the aircraft braked and skidded to a halt on the runway, accompanied by a loud boom. One passenger reported that cabin crew relayed information that an engine warning prompted a rapid shutdown of the second engine during takeoff procedures. First responders approaching the plane contributed to heightened anxiety among some passengers while ground crews assessed the situation.
Safety and operational follow-up
No injuries were reported. After inspections and coordination between the airline and airport authorities, the aircraft’s passengers were able to depart the airport later that night on a flight that left roughly five hours after the aborted takeoff. The FAA investigation will determine the technical and procedural causes, and whether any maintenance or crew actions require further regulatory attention.
Related incident reported the same night
Separately, on the same date, three flight crews operating near Boston Logan reported being targeted by a green laser. The FAA reminds the public that pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime because it can distract or temporarily blind flight crews and endangers safety. Reports of laser strikes can lead to significant fines and criminal charges.
What to expect from the investigation
The FAA’s investigation will typically include review of cockpit voice and flight data recorders if recovered, examination of the affected engine and aircraft systems, interviews with flight crew and ground personnel, and review of maintenance and operational records. Final findings can take weeks to months depending on the complexity of the technical issues and any needed laboratory tests.
Context and safety notes for travelers
Aborted takeoffs are rare but are among the standard safety procedures flight crews practice for handling critical warnings during high-risk phases of flight. Modern aircraft are designed with multiple redundancies, and crews are trained to stop or abort takeoffs when warnings indicate potential engine or system failures. Passengers are encouraged to follow crew instructions during any emergency or abnormal procedure and to remain calm while emergency responders secure the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Were there any injuries?
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew following the aborted takeoff and runway stop.
2. What caused the aborted takeoff?
The flight crew stopped the takeoff after detecting engine issues, and passengers reported flames and smoke from one engine. The FAA has opened an investigation to determine the exact cause.
3. Is the FAA investigating?
Yes. The FAA has initiated an investigation into the incident to review technical, operational, and maintenance factors relevant to the engine problem and aborted takeoff.
4. Were passengers able to continue their travel?
Passengers from the affected flight were able to depart the airport approximately five hours after the incident, following inspections and coordination between the airline and airport authorities.
5. What should I do if I see or experience a similar incident?
Follow instructions from flight crew and airport emergency personnel, remain seated unless told to evacuate, and report any safety concerns to airline or airport staff once you are on the ground.
6. How do I report someone pointing a laser at an aircraft?
Report laser incidents to local law enforcement and the FAA. Pointing lasers at aircraft is illegal and can be investigated by authorities who may issue fines or pursue criminal charges.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight | Swiss International Air Lines Flight 55 (Boston to Zurich) |
| Date and time | September 16 — incident around 6:25 p.m. local time |
| Airport | Boston Logan International Airport (Runway 22R) |
| Crew action | Aborted takeoff due to an engine warning; crew reportedly shut down the affected engine |
| Visible signs | Flames and smoke reported from an engine in video footage |
| Injuries | No injuries reported |
| Delays | Passengers departed approximately five hours later |
| Investigation | FAA has opened a formal investigation; Massport and FAA referred further comment to the airline |
| Related safety note | Three flight crews reported green laser targeting near Logan on the same date; laser pointing at aircraft is a federal crime |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CNN: Boston Laser Incident
- NBC Boston: Disabled Aircraft at Logan
- CBS News: Swiss Air Flames Engine at Logan Airport
- Boston Herald: Green Laser Strikes Near Logan Airport
- WCVB: Flames Shoot Out of Swiss Airlines Plane
- Wikipedia: Boston Logan International Airport
- Google Search: Logan Airport Incidents
- Google Scholar: Aviation Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Travel
- Google News: Boston Flights News
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
