Overview
- A Zurich–New York Swiss International Air Lines flight was diverted to Bangor, Maine and landed safely after crew reported smoke in the forward business cabin on Monday.
- A technical inspection in Bangor determined a headphone charging case had slipped under a seat, become jammed and damaged, and its lithium battery overheated and emitted smoke without igniting.
- Swiss and the FAA corrected early reports that misstated a cockpit fire, with officials saying the smoke was limited to the cabin and no cockpit fire occurred.
- Swiss reiterated its rules introduced in early 2026 that ban using or charging power banks onboard, limit passengers to two portable batteries, and require specific carry locations to reduce risk.
- The airline praised the crew for following safety procedures and investigators said the incident is a reminder to alert attendants if devices get hot, smoke or fall beneath seats as damaged lithium cells can overheat or catch fire.