An Air India Express flight operating from Varanasi to the national capital Delhi made an emergency landing at Lucknow airport on Thursday following a technical glitch and a mid-air smoke alarm. Flight IX 1253, carrying 155 passengers on board, was safely diverted to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow after crew members detected the warning signal.
Precautionary Diversion Mid-Flight
The aircraft had departed from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi and was en route to Delhi when an automated smoke indication was triggered in the rear cargo compartment. Prioritizing safety, the flight crew immediately initiated standard precautionary protocols, contacted air traffic control, and requested permission to divert the plane to the nearest suitable airfield in Lucknow.
Passenger Care and Alternate Aircraft
Upon landing safely in Lucknow, all passengers were deboarded without any injuries. An Air India Express spokesperson confirmed that light refreshments were provided to the stranded travelers at the terminal. The airline further stated that an alternative aircraft was being arranged on a priority basis to transport all 155 passengers to their final destination in Delhi, emphasizing that safety remains the carrier's primary concern.
