Security Scare at Lucknow Airport: Passenger Lights Cigarette in Air India Flight, Fire Alarm Triggers Panic

Lucknow (The Uttam Hindu): Despite a high-security alert at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport ahead of Independence Day, a major lapse in security has come to light. A passenger managed to board an Air India Lucknow-Mumbai flight carrying matches and cigarettes. Shockingly, he even lit a cigarette inside the aircraft toilet, triggering the fire alarm and causing panic among passengers.

The incident occurred on August 16. According to airport sources, Air India flight AI 2492 was scheduled to depart for Mumbai at 2:05 PM. Shortly after boarding was completed, a passenger named Kuldeep Singh got up from his seat and went to the lavatory. Moments later, the aircraft’s fire alarm went off, leading to chaos and fear among passengers, who suspected a fire outbreak.

Cabin crew members rushed to the toilet, knocked on the door, and forced the passenger out. Investigation revealed that Kuldeep Singh had lit a cigarette inside, unaware that the smoke would trigger the alarm. The crew immediately informed the pilot.

Following the captain’s instructions, Kuldeep Singh was deboarded, and his wife Anshu and son Dhruv, who were traveling with him, also chose to leave the flight. His check-in baggage was also removed from the aircraft.

This incident raises serious questions over the functioning of security agencies. Despite Independence Day security being at its peak, with three-layer checks and screening even at the second ladder point before boarding, such a dangerous lapse occurred. Regulations prohibit carrying more than 100 ml of liquid on flights — yet a flammable item like matches passed through multiple checks, exposing a major breach.