London, January 23 - On January 22, 2026, Lufthansa Flight LH2473, an Airbus A320neo operating from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Munich (MUC), declared an emergency shortly after takeoff. The flight departed Runway 09R at approximately 11:36 GMT with 186 passengers and crew on board. During the initial climb, the pilots received a fire indication in one of the engines, prompting them to shut down the affected engine as a precautionary measure. The crew immediately squawked the international emergency code 7700 and initiated a return to Heathrow, performing a safe and expedited approach.
The aircraft climbed to around 13,500 feet before turning back toward the airport. Air traffic control prioritized the flight for landing on Runway 09L, where it touched down safely at approximately 12:07 GMT. Emergency services, including fire crews, were on standby and followed the plane to the apron as a standard procedure for such incidents. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, and the landing was described as normal by the airline.
Lufthansa confirmed that the return was due to a technical issue, specifically an engine fire warning. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the alert, with initial reports indicating it involved the left-hand Pratt & Whitney PW1127G engine. The aircraft, registered D-AIND, remained grounded for inspection and maintenance following the event. Passengers were assisted by ground staff and rebooked onto subsequent flights to Munich.
This incident highlights the rigorous safety protocols in place for modern commercial aviation. Airbus A320neo aircraft are equipped with advanced engine monitoring systems that enable crews to respond swiftly to potential anomalies, ensuring the highest levels of passenger safety. Lufthansa emphasized that all procedures were followed correctly, and the quick resolution prevented any further complications. Such events, while rare, underscore the reliability of contemporary jet engines and the professionalism of flight crews in handling emergencies at one of the world's busiest airports.