Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh — June 16, 2025:
A Saudi Airlines aircraft carrying 250 Hajj pilgrims narrowly avoided a serious accident while landing at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport early Sunday morning. The flight, numbered SV3112, encountered a critical technical failure during touchdown, prompting swift emergency response from the airport’s rescue services.
According to preliminary reports, the flight departed from King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at 10:45 PM on Saturday, June 15, and was scheduled to land in Lucknow around 6:30 AM on Sunday. As the aircraft made contact with the runway, sparks and smoke were observed emanating from the landing gear—signaling a significant mechanical problem.
Immediate Action Prevents Casualties
The alert pilot of the Boeing aircraft acted decisively by bringing the aircraft to a controlled stop while it was still taxiing on the runway. Emergency fire and rescue teams stationed at the Lucknow airport responded within moments, neutralizing any risk of fire or explosion. Airport authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported and all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated.
The initial investigation conducted by aviation safety officials suggests a hydraulic system leak as the root cause of the malfunction. Further mechanical assessments are being carried out by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in collaboration with Saudi Airlines engineers.
Eyewitnesses Praise Pilot and Ground Staff
Passengers onboard the flight, many of whom were elderly pilgrims returning from their Hajj pilgrimage, described the experience as tense but lauded the calm and professionalism displayed by the crew. One passenger, Mohammad Salim from Kanpur, said, “There was a loud screech and we saw sparks. Everyone panicked for a moment, but the pilot managed everything smoothly. We’re thankful to be safe.”
Airport authorities in Lucknow issued a brief statement expressing relief at the successful emergency landing and credited the airport’s upgraded emergency response systems for avoiding a potential disaster.
Enhanced Hajj Flight Protocols Under Spotlight
This incident puts a spotlight on the increasing number of Hajj charter flights operating between India and Saudi Arabia during the 2025 pilgrimage season. With the Ministry of Minority Affairs overseeing Hajj logistics in India, strict flight safety regulations and screening procedures are in place to ensure safe transport of Indian pilgrims.
However, aviation analysts have noted that older aircraft models or tight scheduling between multiple Hajj routes can sometimes increase the risk of mechanical failure. “While this was an isolated incident, it underscores the need for rigorous pre-flight maintenance, especially during peak travel seasons,” said an official from India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Saudi Airlines Issues Statement
Saudi Airlines, in an official communication released later in the day, confirmed the malfunction and assured full cooperation with Indian aviation authorities during the ongoing investigation. The airline also stated that it will conduct internal safety audits and a full diagnostic of the affected aircraft to prevent recurrence.
“We are thankful that all passengers and crew are safe. Saudi Airlines prioritizes safety and we are cooperating with relevant Indian authorities,” the statement read.
The airline also assured families of the pilgrims that all necessary arrangements for onward travel and support were being provided. In the interim, all other Saudi Airlines flights scheduled for Hajj operations from India remain operational.
DGCA and Airport Authorities Begin Investigation
A dedicated inspection team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a formal investigation into the hydraulic failure. According to sources, the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been secured and sent for analysis.
Additionally, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has directed a comprehensive inspection of runway safety protocols and emergency preparedness at Lucknow Airport, especially in light of the increasing air traffic during the Hajj and upcoming holiday season.
Lucknow Airport’s Growing Role in Hajj Operations
Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport has emerged as a critical hub for Hajj departures and arrivals from northern India. The airport has recently undergone capacity expansions, including upgraded air traffic control systems and enhanced safety features, to manage the surge in religious and international travel.
The Uttar Pradesh State Haj Committee has confirmed that nearly 9,000 pilgrims are expected to travel through Lucknow Airport during the 2025 Hajj season, making this incident a wake-up call for heightened vigilance.
Conclusion
While the timely action taken by the pilot and airport rescue teams prevented what could have been a catastrophic aviation accident, the incident highlights the importance of aviation safety, especially during high-volume travel seasons like Hajj. As authorities continue to investigate the technical fault, the commitment to passenger safety remains paramount for both Saudi Airlines and Indian aviation regulators.
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