Air India Express flight evacuated at Muscat airport

An Air India Express plane that was preparing to take off from Muscat Airport on Wednesday was evacuated after a fire started in one of its engines.

The Boeing 737 was operating as IX-442 to the southern Indian city of Kochi when the incident occurred. 

The airline said all 141 passengers on board were led to safety but some of them received "minor bruises" while evacuating.

While the aircraft was on the taxiway getting ready to depart at 11:20 am another aircraft reported observing fumes from one of the engines.

"However, there was no fire warning indication in the cockpit," Air India Express said in a statement.

"As a matter of abundant precaution... the crew stopped on the taxiway and activated the onboard engine fire extinguishers," it added.

Oman's Civil Aviation Authority said the safety of the airport and air traffic was not compromised by the incident.

It added that the specialists will continue the investigation procedures.

Meanwhile, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said: "We will investigate the incident and also take appropriate action."

⏺ Clarification Statement (3)
End of The Emergency Case pic.twitter.com/Twf1efAZab

— هيئة الطّيران المدني (@CAAOMN) September 14, 2022