Air India Express Flight From Muscat To Kerala Hits Runway Edge Lights During Take-Off

An Air India Express Boeing 737-800 aircraft operating a scheduled flight from Muscat to Kannur, Kerala, sustained significant damage after veering off the runway during an attempted takeoff at Muscat International Airport on the night of May 15. The incident occurred at approximately 9:10 pm local time as the aircraft was accelerating on runway 26L.

According to preliminary information, the aircraft entered the runway via taxiway E7 and began its takeoff roll under normal conditions. However, while gaining speed for departure, the aircraft collided with runway edge lights. The impact resulted in multiple lights being destroyed along the runway edge and caused immediate disturbance in the cockpit, prompting the flight crew to abort the takeoff procedure.

Following the aborted takeoff, the aircraft came to a halt on the runway. Initial inspections revealed that the nose landing gear had been damaged during the incident. In addition, the aircraft suffered a hydraulic system leak and at least one flat tyre, indicating substantial stress on the landing gear assembly during the runway excursion. Both engines were also reportedly impacted after foreign object debris entered them as a result of the collision with runway infrastructure.

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The severity of the damage required the aircraft to remain grounded at Muscat International Airport for several days after the incident. Airport authorities and technical teams carried out preliminary safety assessments while the aircraft underwent detailed inspection procedures. The event disrupted normal flight operations and required coordination between airport authorities and airline officials to manage the situation safely.

All passengers and crew onboard were safely evacuated from the aircraft while it remained on the runway. They were later transported back to the terminal building, where arrangements were made for their accommodation and onward travel. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew members, according to initial reports following the incident.

In response to the disruption, Air India Express arranged an alternative Boeing 737-800 aircraft to operate the Muscat–Kannur route for affected passengers. The replacement service departed more than 13 hours behind its originally scheduled time, ensuring that all stranded passengers were eventually transported to their destination in Kerala. Oman’s Air Accidents Investigation Sector has formally classified the incident as an accident and initiated a detailed investigation into the circumstances that led to the runway excursion.

The probe is expected to examine runway conditions, aircraft handling during taxi and takeoff, and air traffic control coordination at the time of the incident. The airline has confirmed its cooperation with the ongoing investigation led by the Oman Transport Safety Bureau. An Air India Express spokesperson stated that the carrier is fully engaged with the investigating authorities and will provide additional updates as required once further findings emerge from the inquiry process.

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