Lucknow: For 148 passengers and six crew members flying from Bagdogra to Delhi, it was a scary evening.
Air India Express flight IX-1523 was forced to make an emergency landing at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport after a mid-air smoke alert, according to PTI.
The flight was diverted to the Uttar Pradesh Lucknow on Monday evening after the pilot issued a ‘Mayday’ call, an internationally-recognised distress signal used in life-threatening situations.
It was after crew members detected smoke in the aircraft’s avionics bay, which houses critical electronic systems, that the pilot was alerted.
“Prioritising safety, the crew operating one of our flights to Delhi decided to divert to Lucknow and carried out a priority landing following a smoke alert. The aircraft landed safely, and all guests were provided refreshments on arrival. They were subsequently re-accommodated on alternative flights to Delhi. We regret the inconvenience,” an Air India Express spokesperson said.
Some passengers were offered full refunds, while others were provided hotel accommodation and rebooked on subsequent flights.
