Emergency Declared at Lucknow Airport After Air India Express Mayday Call
A full-scale emergency was activated at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (CCSIA) on Monday evening following a Mayday alert from an Air India Express flight. The aircraft, operating as IX 1523 from Bagdogra to Delhi, reported suspected smoke in the cabin while cruising at 36,000 feet over the Ghaghara river in Ambedkar Nagar district around 4:58 pm.
Panic and Precautionary Measures Onboard
Pilots detected what they believed to be smoke emanating from the avionic panels, prompting immediate communication with air traffic control. As a precaution, the crew declared a Mayday, which triggered the deployment of oxygen masks and caused significant panic among passengers. Sources familiar with the incident confirmed that the announcement and mask drop led to moments of fear and confusion, with cabin crew rushing to reassure travelers and guide them on mask usage while preparing for diversion.
Safe Landing and Emergency Response
The aircraft was diverted to Lucknow and made a safe precautionary landing at CCSIA by 5:17 pm. Emergency teams, including airport fire and medical services, were pre-positioned as per standard protocol. All 148 passengers and crew were safely deboarded and escorted to Terminal 3, with no injuries reported. A detailed inspection by fire and technical teams found no visible signs of smoke or fire, but the aircraft has been grounded pending a comprehensive technical evaluation and airworthiness certification.
Passenger Frustrations and Resolutions
The incident caused delays and uncertainty, frustrating some passengers. Hemron Michael shared an image of the oxygen masks on social media, seeking clarity on travel arrangements as delays extended beyond two hours. Officials from Lucknow International Airport Ltd stated that passengers were initially taken to Terminal 3, with many accommodated on alternate flights to Delhi and others provided overnight hotel accommodation and priority booking on subsequent flights.
Airport authorities emphasized that the emergency procedures ensured passenger safety, noting that such precautionary diversions and grounding are standard practice when potential technical issues arise mid-flight.
