An Air India Express flight from Varanasi to Delhi made a precautionary landing at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow on Thursday morning after a smoke detection alarm went off in its aft cargo compartment, prompting an emergency response. All 155 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, while preliminary checks found no smoke or fire, airport officials said.
Flight IX 1253 took off from Varanasi around 8 am. The aircraft landed safely at 8:52 am. Passengers began deboarding at 9:02 am. The airline’s special flight departed for Delhi at around 1:30 pm with the stranded passengers, according to the Lucknow airport spokesperson.
Shortly after take-off, the alarm was activated, following which the pilot contacted Lucknow air traffic control (ATC) and sought permission to land. The airport’s emergency response team, fire brigade personnel and technical experts inspected the aircraft. The aircraft was later moved to a hanger and remained grounded for further technical examination. Passengers were provided refreshments while an alternative aircraft was arranged to take them to Delhi. The cause of the smoke alert was not immediately known. Engineers are examining the aircraft to determine whether the alarm was caused by a technical malfunction or a false indication.
An Air India Express spokesperson said the crew, prioritising passenger safety, opted for a precautionary diversion to Lucknow after a technical issue was detected.
