Crew saw smoke inside the flight coming to Delhi, had to make emergency landing

On Monday evening, Air India Express flight IX1523 going from Bagdogra to Delhi had to make an emergency landing at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport after receiving a smoke alert in mid-air. There were 148 passengers and 6 crew members on board the flight. However, there is no news of any casualty.

According to PTI news agency, the pilot issued a ‘Mayday’ call, which is an international distress signal used in dangerous situations. Crew members had observed smoke in the plane’s avionics bay (where critical electronic systems are located). After this the pilot decided to immediately divert the flight to Lucknow.

Also read: Woman died just after take off, traveled for 13 hours in flight, foul smell kept rising

Priority given to security

An airline spokesperson said, ‘Keeping safety on priority, our crew diverted the Delhi bound flight to Lucknow and made a priority landing following the smoke alert. The plane landed safely. All passengers were given refreshments upon disembarkation and were given space on other flights to Delhi. We express our regret for the inconvenience caused to the passengers.

Some passengers were offered full refunds, while others were accommodated in hotels and rebooked on subsequent flights.

The plane will fly again after investigation

After landing the plane was declared ‘Aircraft on Ground’ (AOG). This means that due to a fault in the plane, it cannot be flown without being checked and repaired immediately. The plane is currently standing at Lucknow airport.

Also read: A person started opening the emergency gate in a flight flying thousands of feet above, said – it is the shadow of a ghost.

The airport authorities followed the entire emergency protocol and ensured the safe landing of the plane. Passengers said that there was a moment of panic due to the falling of the oxygen mask, but the crew advised them to remain calm and use the mask properly.

Air India Express said that the safety of passengers and crew is their biggest priority. The incident is under investigation.