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.

An Air India Express spokesperson said the crew operating the Varanasi-Delhi flight, prioritising passenger safety, opted for a precautionary diversion to Lucknow after a technical issue was detected.

The aircraft landed safely and all passengers were provided refreshments upon arrival at Lucknow airport. An alternative aircraft is being arranged on priority to take the passengers to their destination, the airline added.

The aircraft was moved to a hanger, where preliminary inspection found no signs of smoke or fire inside the aircraft, sources said, adding that investigation is under way to determine the reason for the activation of the smoke alarm.