Smoke Scare Triggers Emergency Landing at Lucknow Airport
A Saudia Airlines flight arriving from Jeddah triggered an emergency response at Lucknow airport on Sunday afternoon after smoke was observed emanating from the aircraft’s left-side wheels. The incident, linked to a suspected hydraulic leak, raised serious concerns about aviation safety protocols and emergency preparedness at one of North India’s busiest airports.
The aircraft, carrying a large group of Haj pilgrims, landed safely but began emitting smoke shortly after touchdown. In response, the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) team immediately deployed emergency resources to the site. Working in coordination with the airline crew, the ARFF team contained the situation without further escalation or visible damage to the aircraft. All passengers on board were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
Airport operations remained unaffected, and the runway was cleared swiftly to ensure no disruption to subsequent flights. The aircraft was scheduled to return to Jeddah later the same evening, but further assessments were expected before its clearance for take-off.Officials attributed the smoke to a potential hydraulic fluid leak near the wheel assembly, a critical component that supports braking and landing gear operations.
Though such leaks can occasionally occur due to overheating or mechanical stress, the visible smoke highlighted the urgent need for stringent maintenance checks, especially on international flights during peak travel seasons like the Haj pilgrimage. The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of aviation infrastructure and safety management at Indian airports. With a surge in seasonal travel and the increasing complexity of aircraft systems, aviation experts have long warned about the need to bolster emergency response readiness.
Hydraulic leaks, if undetected, can pose serious risks—not just to the aircraft but also to runway safety and environmental health. The leakage of hydraulic fluids onto tarmac surfaces is not only flammable but also harmful to airport ground ecology. Experts are urging greater investment in preventive maintenance and eco-sensitive airport operations to handle such emergencies more effectively.
The Lucknow airport incident also highlights the importance of enhanced fire safety infrastructure and trained ground personnel capable of responding swiftly to unexpected situations. As India’s aviation sector continues its post-pandemic expansion, ensuring robust safety systems and green airport practices will be essential for maintaining public trust and operational resilience.
