Air France Flight AF7562 Makes Emergency Landing in Lyon After Technical Incident

Emergency Landing Details

Air France Flight AF7562, an Airbus A320 carrying 173 passengers, was forced to make an emergency landing at Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The flight, which originated from Paris-Orly (ORY) and was bound for Ajaccio (AJA), Corsica, diverted approximately 35 to 45 minutes into its journey after crew detected a technical problem. The aircraft landed safely at approximately 18:25 local time, with no injuries reported among those on board.

Technical Incident and Passenger Accounts

Air France officially described the event as a 'technical problem that did not compromise the aircraft's airworthiness,' stating that crews followed standard procedures by shutting down the affected engine and rerouting to the nearest suitable airport as a precautionary measure. However, passenger accounts painted a more alarming picture. Many reported experiencing strong vibrations, hearing alarms activating, and witnessing what they perceived as flashes or flames near one of the wings. One traveler recounted to RTL that the aircraft 'suddenly dropped' and multiple control lights illuminated, causing alarm. Another passenger described seeing 'great yellow flashes' which they identified as flames. Aviation specialists cited by French media suggested the incident likely involved a 'pompage moteur' (engine surge), a phenomenon where air pockets in the engine cause significant vibrations, necessitating the shutdown of the engine. The captain reportedly informed passengers that the left engine had ceased to function during the flight.

Passenger Rebooking and Onward Travel

Following the unscheduled landing in Lyon, ground teams accommodated all 173 passengers. Air France arranged for their onward travel, rebooking them on a later flight from Lyon to Bastia. This replacement flight departed at 22:39 and arrived at 23:50. From Bastia, passengers were then transferred by bus to their final destination of Ajaccio, arriving in the early hours of Sunday morning. The airline expressed regret for the disruption and emphasized that passenger and crew safety remained its top priority throughout the incident.

Aftermath and Potential Investigations

Despite Air France's assurances that the aircraft's airworthiness was not compromised, the incident caused considerable distress among passengers, with some describing it as a 'frightening experience' and a 'nightmare.' Reports indicate that some passengers are considering filing a complaint for 'risking the lives of others.' A technical investigation is expected to determine the precise origin and nature of the incident.