On Mar 30th 2026, an Air India Express Airbus A320-200, registration VT-EXA, operating flight IX-1523 from Bagdogra to Delhi, declared an emergency after the crew reported smoke originating from the avionics panels during cruise.
The aircraft was flying at FL360, approximately 90 nautical miles east of Lucknow, when the situation unfolded. As a precautionary measure, the crew deployed passenger oxygen masks while initiating a rapid diversion toward Lucknow.
The aircraft descended and landed safely on runway 27 about 20 minutes after the emergency was declared. Emergency services were standing by upon arrival and conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft.
Despite the crew’s report, responders found no evidence of smoke, heat, or fire inside the aircraft following the landing.
All 148 people on board remained safe, and no injuries were reported.
The aircraft remained grounded in Lucknow for further technical inspections and had not returned to service as of approximately 25 hours after landing.
Smoke indications in avionics compartments are treated with the highest level of caution due to the critical systems involved, and the crew’s swift decision-making ensured a safe and controlled outcome despite the uncertainty surrounding the source of the alert.
