Air India Express flight catches fire at Muscat International Airport, passengers evacuated

An Air India Express flight for Cochin had to be evacuated on Wednesday after smoke was detected on the plane ahead of its departure from the Muscat International Airport, Oman. Reports suggest that at least 14 passengers were injured after smoke started billowing out on the flight at the airport.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aviation regulator, said that all passengers were safely evacuated after smoke was detected in engine number 2 of an Air India Express flight on the runway at the Muscat airport. It said a relief flight will be arranged.

"We will investigate the incident and also take appropriate action," the DGCA said.

Air India Express said that the engineering team of the airline was inspecting the aircraft and the incident had been reported to the DGCA. "All passengers were safely evacuated and an alternate flight is being arranged to bring the passengers to Kochi," it said.

Air India Express’ Muscat to Kochi flight - IX 442 - with 141 passengers on board, was preparing to depart from Muscat at 11:20 hrs (local time) on Thursday. While it was on the taxiway, another aircraft reported observing fumes from one of the engines. However, there was no fire warning indication in the cockpit, the airline said.

As soon as smoke was detected, the crew stopped on the taxiway and activated the onboard engine fire extinguishers. Thereafter, the passengers were evacuated from the aircraft. "There are No major injuries reported, except minor bruises to some passengers while evacuating," the airline said.

The incident is now being investigated by the regulatory authorities and also the Airline’s Flight Safety Department. "A relief flight has been arranged to bring back the guests from Muscat later this evening," it said.