Air India Express Bagdogra-Delhi Flight Lands in Lucknow After Pilot Issues Mayday Over Smoke Alert

An Air India Express flight IX1523 from Bagdogra to Delhi diverted to Lucknow after a smoke alert in the avionics bay. The emergency landing was completed safely with no injuries. Passengers were rebooked or refunded and the aircraft remains on ground for inspection.

An Air India Express flight from Bagdogra to Delhi made an emergency landing at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow on Monday evening after a mid-air smoke alert. The aircraft was carrying 148 passengers and 6 crew members, and officials confirmed that everyone on board was safe.

Flight IX1523 had been scheduled to fly directly to Delhi but diverted to Lucknow when the pilot issued a 'Mayday’ call. The distress signal was declared after the crew detected smoke in the aircraft’s avionics bay, which contains key electronic control systems for the flight.

Air India Express flight emergency landing and passenger support

According to an Air India Express spokesperson, the crew decided to divert the aircraft immediately after spotting the smoke indication. The spokesperson said, "Prioritising safety, the crew operating one of our flights to Delhi elected 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,"

Sources quoted by PTI said some passengers chose full refunds instead of continuing their journey, while others accepted assistance. These passengers were either given hotel stays in Lucknow or shifted to later flights for Delhi. Airline staff handled rebooking arrangements at the terminal after the emergency landing.

Air India Express flight emergency landing technical status

Following the emergency landing, the aircraft was placed under the 'Aircraft on Ground’ category, often abbreviated as AOG. This term is used when a plane is declared unfit for operations until engineers carry out detailed checks and repairs. PTI reported that the aircraft is still parked at Lucknow airport awaiting inspection.

The sequence of events began when the smoke alert was linked to the avionics bay, which houses vital instruments and electronic systems that support navigation and control. Once the alarm appeared, the pilot opted for a priority landing at the nearest suitable airport, in line with international aviation safety procedures.

News agency PTI reported that there were no injuries among passengers or crew after the emergency landing at Lucknow. Refreshments were given at the airport, and alternative travel options towards Delhi were arranged the same evening, according to the airline’s statement and officials familiar with the incident.

The incident highlights how Air India Express and the crew responded to a smoke alert with a diversion, safe landing and follow-up checks. With passengers rebooked or refunded, and the aircraft kept on ground for inspection, further action now depends on the technical assessment at Lucknow airport.