Muscat: The incident involved a Boeing 737-800 aircraft operating from Muscat to Kannur. According to reports, the aircraft entered runway 26L from taxiway E7 at around 9:10 pm local time before accelerating for takeoff.

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft collided with several runway edge lights, knocking multiple lights out and damaging the nose gear. Pilots reportedly heard a loud noise from the cockpit and immediately aborted the takeoff procedure.

The aircraft sustained significant damage, including a hydraulic leak and a flat tyre. Both engines were also severely affected after foreign objects were sucked into them during the incident.

Passengers and crew members were safely evacuated while the aircraft remained on the runway and were later transported back to the terminal. The damaged aircraft stayed parked at Muscat Airport for several days following the accident.

The next day, Air India Express arranged a replacement Boeing 737-800 aircraft to transport affected passengers to Kannur. The substitute flight departed more than 13 hours later than originally scheduled.

Oman’s Air Accidents Investigation Sector has officially classified the occurrence as an accident and launched a formal probe into the incident. Air India Express confirmed that it is cooperating fully with the Oman Transport Safety Bureau during the investigation.

In a statement, an Air India Express spokesperson said: “We are actively engaging with the Oman Transport Safety Bureau in investigating the incident involving our aircraft on 15 May at Muscat Airport. Further updates may be issued when appropriate by the relevant authorities. We provided an alternative aircraft and accommodation where required to all impacted guests to facilitate their journeys to Kannur.”