Lucknow Airport Incident: Smoke and sparks came out of the wheels of the Hajj pilgrims' plane, but a major accident was averted

A major aviation mishap was narrowly avoided at Lucknow Airport early Sunday morning when a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight (SV 3112) carrying around 250 Haj pilgrims from Jeddah experienced smoke and sparks from its landing gear during touchdown. The incident occurred around 6:30 AM as the aircraft was landing. Sparks and smoke were noticed coming from one of the wheels, prompting immediate alarm among onlookers and airport officials. The airport's emergency response system was promptly activated, and fire and rescue teams rushed to the scene.

All Passengers Safe, No Serious Injuries

Despite moments of panic, all passengers were safely evacuated after the aircraft was guided to the taxiway. Medical checks confirmed that no serious injuries occurred, though many passengers were visibly shaken. “There was a tense atmosphere for a while, but swift coordination between the pilot and ground staff ensured that a disaster was averted,” said an airport official.

Technical Malfunction Suspected

Initial suspicions point to a possible brake or wheel malfunction, although the exact cause remains under investigation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe to determine the technical fault behind the incident.

Rising Concerns Over Air Safety

This incident comes close on the heels of the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 270 lives, raising fresh concerns about aviation safety. Though no one was harmed this time, the Lucknow episode has once again sparked debates over aircraft maintenance standards and safety protocols, especially on international routes carrying large numbers of passengers. As investigations continue, authorities have assured that all necessary precautions and reviews will be undertaken to prevent such near-misses in the future.