Runway side lights seen as runway on take-off of Air India Express in Oman

Representative stock image of an Air India Express aircraft | Photo credit: Reuters

An Air India Express Boeing 737-800 flying from Muscat to Kannur on 15 May 2026 leveled the runway side lights during take-off, treating them as a runway and damaging multiple runway lights in the process.

The incident resulted in a hydraulic leak and a flat tire, and the crew refused to take off after hearing a “big bang” and warning in the cockpit.

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Oman’s air accident investigation authority announced that the incident has been classified as an accident and is under investigation. The plane was grounded in Muscat for more than nine days.

Published – 25 May 2026 11:28 IST