{"id":143766,"date":"2026-05-24T21:00:49","date_gmt":"2026-05-24T15:30:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=143766"},"modified":"2026-05-24T21:00:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T15:30:51","slug":"air-india-express-boeing-737-grounded-after-pilot-hits-runway-lights-during-takeoff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/24\/air-india-express-boeing-737-grounded-after-pilot-hits-runway-lights-during-takeoff\/","title":{"rendered":"Air India Express Boeing 737 Grounded After Pilot Hits Runway Lights During Takeoff"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GURUGRAM-<\/strong> Air India Express (IX)<\/a> operating a Boeing 737-800 from Muscat International Airport (MCT) to Kannur International Airport (CNN) has remained grounded after a rejected takeoff incident caused damage to both the aircraft and runway infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The incident occurred on May 15 during departure preparations from Muscat for Kannur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investigators later confirmed that the aircraft had reportedly aligned with runway edge lights rather than the runway centerline before the crew aborted takeoff after receiving multiple cockpit warnings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: avgeekwithlens\/ Harsh Tekriwal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air India Express Boeing 737 Grounded<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An Air India Express (IX) Boeing 737-800 has remained grounded in Muscat for more than nine days after a takeoff incident that only came to public attention after aviation reporting sources received confirmation from Oman regulators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to information published by aviation reporting platforms, the 18 year old Boeing 737-800<\/a> was preparing to operate a scheduled 3 hour flight from Muscat to Kannur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft received takeoff clearance from Runway 26L at approximately 9:30 PM local time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of aligning with the runway centerline, the aircraft reportedly lined up alongside the right-hand runway edge lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Runway edge lights define the outer boundaries of the runway and are not intended for aircraft alignment during departure operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the aircraft accelerated for takeoff, it struck several runway edge lights and damaged them during the takeoff roll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pilots reportedly heard a loud bang before the cockpit’s Master Caution warning activated. The flight crew immediately rejected the takeoff and brought the aircraft to a stop on the runway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the rejected takeoff, cockpit indications reportedly showed a hydraulic leak from System A along with a flat tire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of the hydraulic system failure and tire damage, the aircraft could no longer move under its own power and remained stranded on the runway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: avgeekwithlens\/ Harsh Tekriwal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Investigation Findings Reveal Additional Details<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oman’s accident investigation authority later released preliminary details explaining the sequence of events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investigators stated that the aircraft entered Runway 26L from Taxiway E7 and lined up on the right shoulder of the runway while following the right-side runway edge lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authorities also noted that the aircraft passed through and damaged multiple runway lights before the crew rejected the takeoff after hearing the impact sound and receiving cockpit warnings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to PYOK<\/a>, investigators confirmed that the aircraft sustained a complete hydraulic leak from System A in addition to tire damage following the runway light impacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investigations typically focus on understanding operational factors and identifying procedural issues rather than assigning immediate responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: avgeekwithlens\/ Harsh Tekriwal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Passengers Safely Returned to Terminal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The crew and passengers exited the aircraft safely after the incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reports indicate that passengers remained onboard for nearly two hours while the disabled aircraft remained on the runway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mobile airstairs were later brought directly to the aircraft, allowing passengers to disembark on the runway before buses transported them back to the terminal building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air India Express later provided a limited statement indicating that the aircraft had experienced a tire-related issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: By aeroprints.com, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n