Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Air India Express Flight Makes Precautionary Landing After Smoke Alert
An Air India Express plane was flying from Varanasi to Delhi.
It had 155 passengers, along with crew members.
Soon after takeoff, an alarm warned that there might be smoke in the cargo area.
The pilot chose to land in Lucknow to keep everyone safe.
The plane landed safely at 8:52 a.m.
on Thursday.
Passengers and crew left the aircraft at 9:02 a.m.
Firefighters and technical experts checked the plane but did not find smoke or fire during the first inspection.
The plane was moved to a hangar, and the airline arranged refreshments and another aircraft while the cause of the alarm was investigated.
Air India Express flight IX 1253 was traveling from Varanasi to Delhi with 155 passengers onboard.
A cargo-hold smoke detection alarm activated shortly after takeoff around 8 a.m. Thursday.
The pilot contacted Lucknow Air Traffic Control and landed safely at 8:52 a.m.
Passengers and crew members were deboarded at 9:02 a.m.; emergency teams, firefighters and technical experts inspected the aircraft.
Initial checks found no smoke or fire, while the aircraft was moved to a hangar and an investigation began.
- Who
- Air India Express flight IX 1253, carrying 155 passengers and crew members.
- What
- The Delhi-bound flight made a precautionary landing in Lucknow after a cargo-hold smoke detection alarm activated.
- When
- Thursday morning, September 3; it took off around 8 a.m., landed at 8:52 a.m. and passengers deboarded at 9:02 a.m.
- Where
- The flight departed from Varanasi and landed at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow while traveling to Delhi.
- Why
- The crew prioritized safety after a technical issue and smoke alarm activation; an investigation is examining the cause.
- Flight
- Air India Express IX 1253
- Route
- Varanasi to Delhi
- Passengers
- 155
- Alarm
- Smoke detection alarm in the cargo hold activated shortly after takeoff
- Landing
- Lucknow airport at 8:52 a.m. Thursday
- Initial inspection
- No signs of smoke or fire were found
- Follow-up
- The aircraft was moved to a hangar and the alarm's cause is under investigation
- Passenger assistance
- Refreshments were provided and an alternative aircraft was being arranged
Sources
AI Exp flight makes emergency landing after smoke alert
Delhi-bound Air India Express flight makes precautionary landing at Lucknow after smoke alarm activation
Delhi-bound AI Exp flight makes emergency landing in Lucknow after smoke alert
