An Air India flight bound for Ahmedabad had to return to Delhi shortly after take-off on Thursday evening following a smoke alarm alert in the aircraft’s cargo hold. The flight, operating as AI2939 on an Airbus A320, had taken off from Indira Gandhi International Airport around 4:44 pm when the cockpit received a smoke indication roughly 30 minutes into the journey.
Swift emergency response
Following protocol, the pilots immediately informed Air Traffic Control and decided to head back to Delhi as a precaution. Emergency services, including fire tenders and medical teams, were deployed on standby at the airport.
The aircraft made a safe landing and all passengers were calmly deplaned. Fortunately, technical inspections later confirmed that the alarm was a false alert, no smoke or fire was detected anywhere on the aircraft.
Crew members and ground staff managed the situation smoothly, ensuring passengers remained informed and reassured throughout the process.
Passengers shifted to another aircraft
The flight reportedly had around 170 passengers on board. After the false alarm was confirmed, Air India arranged an alternate aircraft to ensure passengers could continue their journey to Ahmedabad without much delay.
The airline issued a statement expressing regret for the inconvenience but emphasised that passenger safety is always the top priority. Aviation experts note that even a minor smoke indication automatically triggers strict safety procedures, which is why the crew acted swiftly.
The incident, while causing an interruption, showcased how precautionary systems and emergency protocols in aviation work effectively to prevent potential hazards.
This episode serves as a reminder that even false alarms are handled with full seriousness in the interest of safety, ensuring that travellers reach their destination securely, even if slightly delayed.
