Air India Express Flight Crew Mistook Edge Lights For Runway While Taking Off In Oman

An Air India Express flight in Oman ended up in a scary situation earlier this month after the aircraft reportedly lined up with runway edge lights instead of the actual runway during take-off. The incident happened on May 15 involving a Boeing 737-800 flying from Muscat to Kannur. According to Oman’s air accident investigation authorities, the case has officially been classified as an accident, and a detailed investigation is now underway.

Air India Express Flight In Oman Suffers Take-Off Mishap

Thankfully, the flight did not take off fully. But the situation could have turned far more serious.

As per initial details, the aircraft damaged several runway lights while moving for take-off. Soon after, the pilots reportedly heard a loud bang and also received a cockpit warning.

Crew Heard A ‘Big Bang’ During Take-Off Roll

That’s when the crew decided to stop the take-off.

Investigators later found the aircraft had suffered a hydraulic leak along with a flat tyre. The plane has remained grounded in Muscat for more than nine days since the incident happened.

For passengers, moments like this can feel extremely frightening, even if the aircraft never leaves the ground properly.

Investigation Is Now Underway In Oman

Oman’s aviation investigation body is now looking closely into what exactly happened during those few moments before take-off.

Early reports suggest the aircraft aligned itself with the runway edge lighting system instead of the main runway path. In simple terms, the plane was not positioned correctly when it started accelerating.

That mistake damaged multiple airfield lights before the take-off was rejected.

Right now, authorities have not shared what may have confused them. It is also unclear whether weather, visibility or other airport conditions played any role.

But investigators will likely examine cockpit procedures, airport lighting and communication records as part of the probe.

Aircraft Still Grounded In Muscat

The Boeing 737-800 involved in the incident is still parked in Muscat while inspections and technical checks continue.

Airlines usually carry out extensive maintenance reviews after incidents involving hydraulic systems or tyre failures. Also, runway damage incidents are treated seriously because even small alignment errors during take-off can become dangerous very quickly.

For many travellers, aviation incidents naturally raise concerns. But experts often point out that rejected take-offs are designed exactly for situations like this, when crews detect something unusual before becoming airborne.

In this case, the pilots stopping the aircraft immediately may have prevented a much bigger emergency.

Also Read: Oman To Build Massive Mountain Tourism City In Muscat’s Jabal Bousher

Questions Still Remain

At the moment, there are still several unanswered questions around the incident involving the Air India Express flight’s take-off damage due to edge runway lights.

How did the aircraft line up incorrectly? Were visibility conditions normal, or did the crew notice the issue late?

Those answers may only come once investigators release their findings.

Until then, the aircraft remains out of service in Oman.

Cover Image Courtesy: Air India/Website