On Monday evening, a full emergency was declared at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (CCSIA) after an Air India Express flight, IX 1523, issued a Mayday call while en route from Bagdogra to Delhi. The incident occurred at approximately 4:58 PM when the aircraft was flying at 36,000 feet over the Ghaghara river in Ambedkar Nagar district. Pilots reported detecting what they suspected to be smoke emitting from the aircraft’s avionic panels, prompting immediate notification to air traffic control.

Panic Erupts Due to Oxygen Mask Deployment

In a precautionary response, the crew declared a Mayday, leading to the deployment of oxygen masks. This triggered moments of panic among some passengers, who expressed fear and confusion as the cabin crew quickly moved to reassure them and provide instructions on how to use the masks. The situation created a heightened sense of anxiety within the cabin as the aircraft prepared for diversion.

Consequently, the flight was diverted to Lucknow and executed a safe landing at CCSIA at 5:17 PM. Following standard emergency protocol, response teams, including airport fire services and medical personnel, were on standby. All 148 passengers and crew members were safely deboarded and led to Terminal 3, with no injuries reported. Aircraft inspections were conducted by the airport fire department and technical teams, revealing no visible signs of smoke or fire.

Aircraft Grounded for Safety Inspection

Despite the absence of immediate findings, the aircraft has been grounded as a precautionary measure. It will remain out of service until it undergoes a thorough technical evaluation and receives formal certification of airworthiness before returning to operation.

Frustration arose among some passengers due to delays and uncertainty regarding their onward travel arrangements. One passenger, Hemron Michael, shared an image depicting the oxygen mask deployment on social media and sought clarification about revised travel plans as delays extended beyond two hours. Lucknow International Airport Ltd officials confirmed that affected passengers were initially brought to Terminal 3. Some were accommodated on alternate flights to Delhi, while others were offered overnight hotel stays with priority bookings for the next available flights.

Reassurance from Airport Officials

Officials at the airport emphasised that the emergency procedures implemented during the incident were essential in ensuring passenger safety. They noted that precautionary diversions and aircraft groundings are standard practices when reports of potential technical issues arise mid-flight.

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