RAJKOT: An IndiGo flight from Dubai to Mumbai made an emergency landing at Rajkot Airport on Monday after smoke was detected in the aircraft’s cargo hold.According to airport authorities, Flight IGO1452, operated by an Airbus A321 aircraft, was diverted to Rajkot as a precautionary measure after smoke was detected in the cargo hold area.“Flight IGO1452, aircraft type A321, operating from Dubai to Mumbai, was diverted to Rajkot due to smoke detected in the cargo hold area,” an airport official said.Rajkot airport was informed about the emergency at 2.45 pm, following which a full emergency was declared. The aircraft landed safely at 3.27 pm.“All passengers have disembarked safely. There were 194 passengers and crew on board. Arrangements have been made for all of them in the arrival hall of the international terminal,” Rajkot Airport Director Diganta Borah said.In accordance with emergency response protocols, the airport deployed fire tenders, ambulances, rescue vehicles and medical teams. Local hospitals and the police were also alerted.Although Rajkot airport has an international terminal, regular international flight operations have not yet commenced. As a result, immigration and customs clearance facilities are not available at the airport.According to the airport director, passengers will not be permitted to leave the terminal building unless there is a medical emergency.Responding to the incident, an IndiGo spokesperson said the flight was diverted to Rajkot International Airport as a precautionary measure due to a technical issue.“IndiGo flight 6E 1452, operating from Dubai to Mumbai, was diverted to Rajkot International Airport today as a precautionary measure due to a technical issue. The aircraft landed safely at Rajkot, and all passengers have deboarded securely. An inspection of the aircraft is currently underway before it is cleared to resume operations,” the spokesperson said.The airline said an alternate aircraft was being arranged to complete the journey and that it was assisting passengers and making necessary arrangements to ease their waiting time.“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our customers due to this unforeseen situation. At IndiGo, the safety of our passengers and crew remains our utmost priority,” the spokesperson added.
