Rough Landing Of Saudi Airlines Haj Flight In Lucknow Sparks Panic, DGCA Orders Probe

A Saudi Airlines flight carrying 250 Haj pilgrims from Jeddah experienced a rough and alarming landing at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on June 15. Sparks and smoke emerged from the aircraft’s wheels, and the impact was so severe that passengers’ heads struck the cabin ceiling, while overhead luggage fell on them.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) termed the landing dangerous and has sought an explanation from the airline. According to sources, water on the runway prompted the pilot to use "aqua management," a technique used for landing on wet surfaces. While effective in gripping the runway, it caused a jolt that distressed the passengers.

Eyewitnesses recorded videos at the terminal. Though no injuries were reported, the incident caused panic. The airport’s fire team sprayed foam and water, and it took 20 minutes to bring the situation under control. Passenger Abdul Mannan of Fiazabad said, “It felt like the aircraft had crashed.”

No major technical fault has been found in preliminary checks, but DGCA has launched a detailed inquiry.

In a separate incident, an Indigo flight from Goa to Lucknow wobbled mid-air after take-off, terrifying passengers. The airline has not yet responded publicly to the incident.