Swiss flight LX1343, operated by Helvetic Airways with the Embraer 190-E2 with the registration HB-AZF, declared an air emergency around 11:25 am on Monday morning. The machine sent out the transponder code 7700. There was a bomb threat against the Swiss airline.
The Embraer 190-E2 was on the way from Warsaw-Chopin to Zurich-Kloten on behalf of Swiss. A few minutes before safe landing, the cockpit crew declared an air emergency for reasons that were unclear. The regional jet operated by Helvetic Airways landed safely at Switzerland's largest airport. There, the plane, passengers and crew were received by a large contingent of police.
According to the airline, all occupants were able to leave HB-AZF safely shortly before 12:00 p.m. The cantonal police then took a close look at the Helvetic aircraft. A large contingent based around the Embraer 190-E2 was used for this purpose. The carrier initially explained without giving any further details: “The Embraer E190-E2 aircraft landed on runway 14 at Zurich Airport without incident. Shortly before 12 p.m., the passengers and crew exited the aircraft via the stairs."
At 11:26 a.m. the Embraer 190-E2 with the registration HB-AZD is also said to have sent out the transponder code 7700. However, this appears to be incorrect information, because the aircraft concerned, in contrast to HB-AZF, is in normal use and carried out a flight to Frankfurt am Main immediately after landing.
HB-AZF is still at Zurich Airport. The airport deactivated the webcams immediately after learning that there could be a problem related to flight LX1343. The cantonal police confirmed in the meantime that a threat had been received shortly before 11:30 a.m. The machine was evacuated after landing and extensively examined and searched by law enforcement officials. Nothing was found, so the police could give the all-clear.
“The search of the aircraft by Zurich Cantonal Police specialists was completed and no suspicious items were found. The crew is doing well and the aircraft has also been cleared for operation again. The safety of the passengers and the crew was guaranteed at all times," said a spokesman for Helvetic Airways.