‘Pungent odor’ forces SWISS Boeing 777 to divert to Azores

On August 25, 2026, a Swiss International Air Lines Boeing 777-300ER operating from Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) to Zurich Airport (ZRH) was forced to undertake an unscheduled diversion. The aircraft experienced a need to land at Horta Airport, located in the Portuguese Azores archipelago due to a reported “pungent odor” detected onboard. Flight LX384, carrying approximately 291 passengers and crew, initiated its change of course following the incident’s detection. Authorities are currently investigating the source of this unusual smell within the cabin environment. This diversion resulted in a delay for the flight, which ultimately landed safely in Zurich on August 26, 2026.