An Air India Express flight en route from Bagdogra to Delhi was redirected to Lucknow on Monday evening after an onboard warning signalled smoke in a sensitive technical section of the aircraft.

The flight, numbered IX1523 and operated with an Airbus A320, was carrying 148 passengers when the cockpit crew received an alert linked to the avionics compartment — an area that contains essential flight-control and navigation systems.

Treating the alert as a serious safety matter, the pilots transmitted a Mayday call, the globally recognised emergency signal, prompting immediate coordination with air traffic authorities. The aircraft was cleared for a priority landing at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport and touched down safely at approximately 5:20 pm.

All passengers disembarked without incident, and no injuries were reported.

Airline officials arranged onward travel to Delhi, offering alternate flight bookings. Some travellers chose refunds, while others were provided overnight accommodation and rescheduled departures.

In a statement, the airline said the diversion was a precautionary step taken in line with safety protocols. It confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and passengers were assisted upon arrival before being reassigned to other services.

After landing, the aircraft was classified as “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG), a term used when a plane is grounded due to a technical issue requiring inspection and clearance before returning to service. Engineering teams are currently conducting detailed checks in Lucknow.