Major Accident Averted: 242 Passengers Safe After Plane Fire Scare at Lucknow Airport

In a dramatic turn of events, a major tragedy was averted at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on the morning of June 15, 2025, when a Saudia Airlines aircraft carrying 242 passengers encountered an emergency situation involving smoke and sparks from one of its wheels. The incident has raised serious questions about aircraft safety and emergency preparedness at Indian airports, but the swift response of the airport authorities ensured that all passengers and crew members escaped unharmed.

Incident Details

The Saudia Airlines flight was operating as a special service to transport Hajj pilgrims from Lucknow to Saudi Arabia. According to official reports, the aircraft landed at Lucknow airport as scheduled, but soon after touchdown, airport staff and passengers noticed smoke and visible sparks coming from one of the plane’s landing gear wheels. Initial investigations suggest that a hydraulic leak in the landing gear system may have caused the malfunction, leading to friction and the subsequent fire scare.

Passengers onboard recounted moments of panic and anxiety as the cabin crew quickly instructed everyone to remain calm and prepare for a possible emergency evacuation. “We saw smoke outside the window and some people started shouting. The crew told us to stay seated and not to panic,” said one of the passengers, who was traveling for Hajj. “It was very frightening, but the staff handled it very well and helped us remain calm.”

Swift Response by Airport Authorities

The Lucknow airport’s emergency response team acted immediately upon receiving the distress signal from the cockpit. Firefighting vehicles were dispatched to the runway within minutes, and the area around the aircraft was cordoned off. The crew initiated a rapid evacuation procedure, and all 242 passengers, along with the flight crew, were safely deboarded using emergency slides and staircases .

Eyewitnesses described the scene as tense but orderly. “There was a lot of smoke, but the fire brigade reached quickly and doused the affected wheel before it could spread,” said an airport official. “We are grateful that no one was hurt, and the situation was brought under control swiftly.”

No Injuries, No Major Damage

Despite the initial scare, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew members. The fire was contained to the wheel area, and there was no significant damage to the aircraft’s body or systems. The airport authorities praised the professionalism of both the airline’s crew and the emergency response teams, crediting their training and quick thinking for averting what could have been a major disaster .

Investigation Underway

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings point towards a hydraulic leak as the likely cause, but a thorough technical examination of the aircraft is underway. The aircraft will remain grounded until it is certified safe for further operations. Saudia Airlines has assured full cooperation with the investigation and has offered support to all affected passengers.

Reactions and Aftermath

The incident has sparked discussions about the safety standards of aircraft operating in India, especially during the busy Hajj season when thousands of pilgrims travel via chartered flights. Aviation experts have emphasized the importance of regular maintenance checks and the need for robust emergency response protocols at all airports.

Passengers, though shaken, expressed relief and gratitude towards the crew and airport staff. “We are just happy to be safe and alive,” said another passenger. “It could have been much worse, but everyone did their job perfectly.”

Conclusion

The Lucknow airport incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the critical role of emergency preparedness. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the flight crew and airport authorities, a potential disaster was narrowly avoided, and 242 lives were saved. The ongoing investigation will hopefully provide further insights and help prevent similar incidents in the future.