Lucknow (Gurpreet Singh): A Delhi-bound Air India Express flight operating from Bagdogra was forced to make an emergency landing at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on Monday evening. The pilot of flight IX1523 issued a “Mayday” distress call after the crew detected smoke emanating from the avionics bay, the section of the aircraft housing critical electronic systems. The Airbus A320 was diverted to Lucknow immediately following the alert to ensure the safety of those on board.
The aircraft landed safely at 5:18 pm after local Air Traffic Control was notified of the technical emergency. A total of 148 individuals, including six crew members, were on board the flight at the time of the incident. Emergency protocols were activated upon touchdown, and all passengers were successfully evacuated from the plane without any reported injuries. The prompt response of the flight crew and ground staff prevented the situation from escalating further.
Following the landing, the aircraft was officially designated as “Aircraft on Ground,” a status indicating it must remain out of service for thorough inspection and necessary repairs. Air India Express provided alternative travel arrangements for the stranded passengers, with some opting for full refunds while others were provided with hotel accommodations and rebooked on later flights to Delhi. The aircraft remains in Lucknow while technical teams investigate the source of the smoke.
