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Muscat, Oman: An Air India Express Boeing 737-800 operating flight IX712 from Muscat to Kannur suffered significant damage during a nighttime takeoff attempt at Muscat International Airport on May 15 after the aircraft reportedly lined up with runway edge lights instead of the runway centreline, triggering a high-speed rejected takeoff and a formal accident investigation by Omani authorities. The incident came to public attention nearly nine days later, on May 24, after regulatory sources in Oman confirmed details of the occurrence. The 18-year-old Boeing 737-800 had been preparing to depart Muscat for the approximately three-hour service to Kannur on the night of May 15. During lineup for departure from Runway 26L, the aircraft allegedly tracked the right-hand runway edge lights rather than positioning itself on the runway centreline. As the aircraft accelerated for takeoff at approximately 9:10 pm local time after entering the runway via taxiway E7, the Boeing 737 struck multiple runway edge lights, destroying several of them during the takeoff roll. Flight crew reportedly aborted the takeoff after hearing a loud bang and receiving cockpit warnings. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the incident. Reports stated that the nose landing gear was damaged, at least one tyre deflated, and hydraulic system leaks were observed after the rejected takeoff. Aviation sources also indicated that debris from shattered runway lights may have been ingested into the engines, potentially causing additional engine damage. The aircraft became disabled on the runway following the rejected takeoff, forcing passengers and crew to disembark directly onto the runway surface while emergency teams responded. However, authorities have not officially confirmed all operational details surrounding the evacuation sequence. The aircraft has reportedly remained grounded in Muscat since the incident while technical inspections and investigative work continue. Oman’s Air Accidents Investigation Sector (AAIS) has classified the occurrence as an “accident” rather than a minor incident, underlining the seriousness of the event. Investigators are now examining cockpit procedures, runway lighting conditions, pilot situational awareness, airport surface markings, and other operational factors that may have contributed to the alignment error during nighttime operations.

Air India Express Aircraft Damaged After Wrong Runway Alignment During Muscat Takeoff

Aviation Today News Desk / May 26, 2026

Muscat, Oman: An Air India Express Boeing 737-800 operating flight IX712 from Muscat to Kannur suffered significant damage during a […]

Muscat, Oman: Oman’s aviation industry has emerged as a significant economic pillar, contributing an estimated USD 1.8 billion to the Sultanate’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, according to a recent economic impact assessment by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The comprehensive IATA study, “The Value of Air Transport to Oman,” highlights the broad economic footprint of air transport across direct, indirect, and induced activities including airlines, airports, air navigation providers, supply chain partners, employee spending, and aviation‑facilitated tourism. Direct aviation activities encompassing Oman’s airlines, airport operators and on‑site service firms accounted for approximately USD 629.5 million in economic output, representing about 0.6 % of national GDP. When broader supply chain effects and tourism spillovers are included, the sector’s total contribution rises to 1.7 % of GDP. The sector is a material source of employment. Roughly 17,000 individuals work directly in aviation, while 42,000 jobs across the wider economy are supported when tourism, supporting industries and induced effects are factored in. Aviation‑supported tourism stands out as a major driver of economic value. In 2023, tourism linked to air transport contributed approximately USD 710 million to Oman’s GDP and supported about 18,000 jobs. International visitors arriving by air are estimated to have injected nearly USD 2.9 billion into the economy via spending on accommodation, transport services, retail and local hospitality sectors. These figures emphasize the synergy between aviation and tourism, a strategic focus for Oman as it diversifies away from hydrocarbon‑dependent growth and strengthens its services industries. Passenger traffic patterns reflect Oman’s international role. In 2023, international departures accounted for 80 % of total origin‑destination passenger movements, with 3.8 million passenger departures recorded. The Asia‑Pacific region constituted the largest market share at 48 %, followed by the Middle East at 33 % and Europe at 12 %. Air cargo also plays an important economic role. Omani airports handled 169,500 tonnes of air freight in 2023, bolstering the nation’s trade, supply chain logistics and time‑sensitive import/export activities. The civil aviation sector’s performance aligns with national strategic priorities to enhance global connectivity and attract foreign visitors, supporting the broader Oman Vision 2040 economic diversification agenda. Recent growth in operational metrics including aircraft movements and revenue increases reported by the Civil Aviation Authority reinforces the sector’s expanding role in national economic planning. Government and industry stakeholders continue to invest in infrastructure upgrades, expanded route networks and private‑sector partnerships in ground handling, maintenance, and cargo services to deepen Oman’s logistical and tourism appeal.

Middle East

Aviation Sector Drives $1.8B Into Oman’s Economy; Tourism Contribution Hits $710M

Aviation Today News Desk / January 3, 2026

Muscat, Oman: Oman’s aviation industry has emerged as a significant economic pillar, contributing an estimated USD 1.8 billion to the Sultanate’s gross

Air Cargo, Emirates

Emirates Launches Courier Express to Offer Fast Global Delivery in Under 48 Hours

Aviation Today News Desk / April 4, 2025

Picture credits: Emirates Dubai, UAE: Emirates has officially launched Emirates Courier Express, an international end-to-end delivery solution aimed at transforming

Oman

Air India Express Aircraft Damaged After Wrong Runway Alignment During Muscat Takeoff

Aviation Sector Drives $1.8B Into Oman’s Economy; Tourism Contribution Hits $710M

Emirates Launches Courier Express to Offer Fast Global Delivery in Under 48 Hours

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