Air India Express land in UP after a mid-air smoke alert, pilot issues Mayday call

An Air India Express flight carrying 148 people from Bagdogra in West Bengal to Delhi made an emergency landing at Lucknow airport after a smoke alarm was triggered mid-air.

The flight, IX1523, operated by an Airbus A320, was diverted to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow on Monday evening after smoke was detected in the avionics bay, which houses critical aviation electronics.

The pilot issued a “Mayday” call -- an internationally



recognised distress signal used in life-threatening situations.

Air Traffic Control (ATC) in Lucknow was promptly alerted, and the aircraft landed safely at around 5.20 pm.

All passengers were safely evacuated after landing, with no injuries reported.

Passengers were accommodated on alternate flights to Delhi. While some opted for full refunds, others were provided hotel accommodation and rebooked on subsequent services, sources added.