Lucknow, India: An Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating from Bengaluru to Bhubaneswar made an emergency landing at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on May 27 after the flight encountered adverse weather conditions at its destination and subsequently reported low fuel levels during diversion.
The flight, operating as QP1503 and registered as VT-YAJ, was carrying a total of 194 passengers and crew members onboard when the incident occurred.
According to multiple media reports and airport officials, the aircraft was initially unable to land at Bhubaneswar due to unfavorable weather conditions. The flight was subsequently diverted to Lucknow at approximately 8:40 PM local time.
While approaching Lucknow, the crew reportedly issued a “PAN PAN” call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) at around 9:02 PM after fuel levels became critically low during the extended diversion. In aviation terminology, a “PAN PAN” declaration indicates an urgent situation requiring priority assistance, though it is considered less severe than a “MAYDAY” distress call.
The pilot-in-command requested priority handling and a clear approach to ensure the aircraft could land safely in a single attempt amid fuel constraints. Following the alert, Lucknow ATC declared a full emergency and immediately activated standard emergency response procedures.
Crash fire tenders and emergency response teams were positioned at designated points along Runway 09 by approximately 9:04 PM as a precautionary measure.
The aircraft landed safely at Lucknow International Airport at around 9:21 PM. Shortly after touchdown, the flight crew informed ATC that all aircraft operations were normal and that no emergency assistance was required. Authorities subsequently withdrew the full emergency status at approximately 9:30 PM.
Airport officials confirmed that all emergency and safety protocols were executed as per standard operating procedures and that the situation was handled without incident. No injuries to passengers or crew were reported.
According to reports, three passengers deboarded the aircraft in Lucknow before the flight later resumed its journey to Bhubaneswar.
In an official statement, Akasa Air confirmed that the diversion was caused by adverse weather conditions at Bhubaneswar and stated that the crew followed all established operational and safety procedures throughout the incident.
“Akasa Air flight QP 1503 operating from Bengaluru to Bhubaneswar on 27 May 2026 was diverted to Lucknow due to adverse weather conditions, which were not favourable for landing. The pilot followed all established operational and safety protocols in line with standard procedures,” the airline said.
The carrier further stated that the flight later departed Lucknow and landed safely in Bhubaneswar at 00:02 hrs on May 28.
“At Akasa Air, the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority. We regret the inconvenience caused due to circumstances beyond our control and appreciate our passengers’ understanding,” the airline added.
