Edelweiss Flight Delayed by Hours: Diversion to Geneva, Many Passengers Continue by Train

Late-Start Schedule: How Saturday Unfolded at Palma Airport

What was planned as a short weekend flight turned into an endurance test for many travelers. The Edelweiss flight bound for Zurich, normally in the early afternoon, was significantly delayed on Saturday. Passengers who were to depart Palma at 11:20 a.m. ended up waiting at the gate for hours until the plane finally took off around 5 p.m.

Smell in the onboard galley: Technicians searched – found nothing

The trigger was unusual and unpleasant: When pushback began, the crew noticed a strange smell from the rear galley area. For safety reasons the aircraft returned; technicians checked compartments and hoses, performed measurements, and even removed small parts — but in the end no clear finding was made. The airline released the aircraft again, yet the delay had consequences of its own.

No chance for the crew; continuation flight impossible

Even though the aircraft later took off and the pilots flew routinely, another problem arose: the permitted service time of the crew had been reached. In short: the working hours laws and regulations did not allow a continuation flight to Zurich. The captain therefore decided to divert to Geneva. There the aircraft landed safely with about 172 passengers.

Many guests reacted understandably annoyed; some even smiled at the idea that the airport had suddenly become a small railway station: According to the airline, most passengers later used the train from Geneva to Zurich, which departed around 8:25 p.m. The airline covered the cost of rail tickets and offered help with connections. A minority with tight connections spent a night in Geneva.

What remains – practical tips

These things happen. If you fly regularly, keep a small emergency checklist: charger, spare jacket, some cash, and important contacts on your phone. In case of disruptions, stay calm, ask at the desk, and collect receipts in case of reimbursement claims. And yes: sometimes the train is really the most pragmatic onward travel solution.

On-site in Palma observed: rain in the morning, cool air, voices at the gate – and a crew visibly trying to handle everything correctly. Not pleasant for those affected, but in the end it ended with a relatively light outcome.