A Delhi-bound flight operated by Air India Express made an emergency landing at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on Monday evening after a mid-air smoke alert. The aircraft, carrying 148 passengers and six crew members, had departed from Bagdogra and was en route to Delhi when the incident occurred.
According to reports, the pilot issued a ‘Mayday’ call—an internationally recognised distress signal—after smoke was detected in the avionics bay, a critical section that houses essential electronic systems of the aircraft. As a precautionary measure, the crew diverted the flight to Lucknow and carried out a priority landing.
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All passengers and crew members were reported safe, with no injuries. The airline confirmed that refreshments were provided upon arrival, and passengers were later accommodated on alternate flights to Delhi.
In a statement, the airline reiterated that safety remains its top priority and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the unexpected diversion.
