AI Express Varanasi-Delhi Flight Makes Emergency Landing At Lucknow After Crew Spot Smoke In Cargo

Lucknow: An Air India Express flight (IX 1253) from Varanasi to Delhi made an emergency landing at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow on Thursday after crew members detected smoke in the cargo area and alerted the pilot.

The air traffic control (ATC) granted permission for the emergency landing and activated all relevant airport protocols. After the aircraft landed at around 9 am, all 155 passengers were disembarked for an inspection.

However, no smoke could be visually observed during an inspection by the emergency response team of the airport once the aircraft landed.

An airport spokesperson said all 155 passengers on the flight have been safely evacuated, and the aircraft will depart for Delhi following the inspection.

The airline said the crew members of the flight decided to make a precautionary diversion to Lucknow due to a technical issue and prioritising the flyers' safety. An alternative aircraft is being arranged on priority to take the passengers to Delhi soon, it added.

On Monday evening, an Air India Express flight from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to New Delhi made an emergency landing at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) following a reported bomb threat, prompting security agencies to initiate a detailed safety protocol.

A crew member reportedly found a tissue paper in the aircraft's lavatory with the word "bomb" and alerted the pilot, who informed air traffic control and sought permission to divert the aircraft to Ahmedabad as a precaution.

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