An Airbus A330-300 operated by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) had to make an unscheduled landing on May 25, 2026, en route from the USA to Sweden.
The aircraft, registration LN-RKM, was operating flight SK904 from Newark Airport in New Jersey to Stockholm when the crew encountered smoke in the cabin over the North Atlantic. As a precaution, the cockpit crew decided to immediately change course and divert to Bangor International Airport in Maine.
The aircraft landed safely on runway 33 at Bangor Airport approximately 75 minutes after the decision to turn back. Initial reports indicate that none of the passengers or crew were injured in the incident. Bangor Airport, due to its geographic location on the east coast of North America and its long runway, is a frequently used diversionary airport for transatlantic flights in emergency situations. After touchdown, the aircraft was met by airport firefighters and underwent an initial inspection.
The affected Airbus A330 was built in 2002 and forms part of the long-haul backbone of the Scandinavian airline. Technical experts are currently investigating the source of the smoke, although the airline has not yet provided any detailed information on the exact cause. Industry standard analyses in such cases often point to defects in the air conditioning system, problems with the galley, or electrical short circuits in the cabin equipment. The aircraft remained grounded in Bangor for further inspections, while the passengers had to be rebooked.
This incident occurred during a period when SAS is modernizing its fleet and focusing more on reliability in its transatlantic operations. Further research in the aviation sector indicates that such diversions are subject to strict protocols, which generally mandate an immediate landing at the nearest suitable airport in the event of suspected smoke. The exact maintenance records of LN-RKM are now being reviewed by the relevant aviation authorities as part of the investigation to determine the aircraft's airworthiness for the return flight to Europe.