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Air India Express Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Lucknow After Smoke Alert

An Air India Express flight from Bagdogra to Delhi was diverted to Lucknow after the crew detected smoke in the aircraft's avionics bay. The pilot issued a PAN-PAN call, signaling a serious but not immediately life-threatening urgency. All 148 passengers and six crew members landed safely and were later accommodated on other flights to Delhi. The aircraft has been grounded in Lucknow for a detailed inspection and repairs.

Key Points: Air India Express Emergency Landing in Lucknow After Smoke

  • Emergency landing in Lucknow
  • PAN-PAN urgency call issued
  • Smoke in avionics bay
  • All 154 on board safe
  • Aircraft grounded for inspection
2 min read

Delhi-bound Air India Express flight makes emergency landing in Lucknow after mid-air smoke alert

An Air India Express flight diverted to Lucknow after a mid-air smoke alert. All 154 passengers and crew safe following a PAN-PAN call.

"The crew acted quickly and chose to divert the flight as a precautionary step, prioritising passenger safety. - Air India Express"

New Delhi, March 31

A Delhi-bound Air India Express flight made an emergency landing in Lucknow after a mid-air smoke alert, with the pilot issuing a PAN-PAN call to report the urgency.

An Air India Express flight carrying 148 passengers was diverted to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport after smoke was detected during the journey.

The flight was en route from Bagdogra to Delhi when the incident occurred on Monday evening.

Instead of a 'Mayday' distress call, the pilot issued a 'PAN-PAN' call, which is used to signal an urgent situation that is serious but not immediately life-threatening.

The call was made after the crew noticed smoke in the aircraft's avionics bay, which contains critical electronic systems.

There were 148 passengers and six crew members on board, and all of them remained safe. The aircraft landed without any incident in Lucknow, and no injuries were reported.

The airline said the crew acted quickly and chose to divert the flight as a precautionary step, prioritising passenger safety.

After landing, passengers were provided refreshments and later re-accommodated on alternative flights to Delhi.

An Air India Express spokesperson confirmed the incident and said the decision to divert was taken following standard safety procedures.

The airline also apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers.

After the landing, the aircraft was declared 'Aircraft on Ground' (AOG), meaning it has been grounded for detailed inspection and necessary repairs. The plane is currently stationed at the Lucknow airport.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, an aircraft operated by Air India Express faced a technical issue after landing at Phuket International Airport.

The airline said on March 11 that its Hyderabad-Phuket flight experienced a problem with the aircraft's nose wheel after landing in Thailand.

The flight, IX 938, had taken off from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and was headed to Phuket.

In a statement, Air India Express confirmed that the aircraft encountered an issue with the nose wheel upon arrival at Phuket Airport on March 11.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is the second incident with Air India Express in a month? First the nose wheel in Phuket, now smoke in the avionics bay. While I'm glad they handled this well, the airline needs to seriously look at maintenance schedules. Passengers deserve better reliability.
A
Arjun K
PAN-PAN call shows the pilot was calm and professional. Smoke in the avionics bay is no joke - that's where all the important electronics are. Hats off to the crew for a safe landing in Lucknow. Hope the passengers reached Delhi safely with the alternative arrangements.
S
Sarah B
I was on a flight that had to divert once. It's scary, but the crew kept us informed. Good to hear they provided refreshments and rebooked everyone. That's the least they can do. The apology is necessary but fixing the fleet is more important.
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Vikram M
Lucknow airport handled it well. CCSIA is becoming a good diversion airport for North India. Main thing is no injuries. Jai Hind to the pilots and crew for their quick thinking.
K
Kavya N
As a frequent flyer, this news makes me anxious. We pay good money for tickets. Air India Express must ensure their aircraft are in top condition. One incident is understandable, but a pattern is worrying. Hope DGCA is looking into this.

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