Delhi-bound AI Express flight makes precautionary landing at Lucknow airport after smoke alarm goes off
An Air India Express flight from Varanasi to Delhi made a precautionary landing in Lucknow after a smoke alarm triggered in the cargo hold. Subsequent inspections revealed no fire or smoke, and the airline is investigating the cause of the false alarm.
Why it matters
Aviation safety protocols are essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring passenger security during technical malfunctions.
An Air India Express flight from Varanasi to Delhi made a precautionary landing at Lucknow airport on Thursday morning (September 3, 2026) allegedly after a smoke detection alarm went off in the aircraft's cargo hold.
However, preliminary checks at Lucknow airport found no sign of smoke or fire in the aircraft, they added.
Flight IX 1253, with 155 passengers onboard, took off from Varanasi airport around 8 am. Shortly after take-off, the smoke detection alarm in the cargo hold was activated, following which the pilot contacted Lucknow Air Traffic Control (ATC) and sought permission to land.
The aircraft landed at Lucknow airport at 8.52 a.m., following which the airport's response team, fire brigade personnel and technical experts reached the aircraft. All 155 passengers and crew members were deboarded at 9.02 a.m., sources said.
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