Airport officials said the passengers were immediately evacuated from the Air India Express flight on slides.
Muscat: Some passengers suffered minor injuries during an evacuation operation after smoke started billowing out of an Air India Express flight at Muscat International Airport on Wednesday morning.
The aircraft was taxiing towards the runway for take-off to Kochi at 11.20 am on Wednesday when officials noticed the smoke coming out of aircraft.
Airport officials said the passengers were immediately evacuated from the Air India Express flight on slides.
According to the airline, the Air India Express Muscat to Kochi flight IX 442, with 141 passengers on board, was preparing to depart from Muscat at 1120 Hrs (local time) on Wednesday. “While it was taxiing towards the runway, the crew in another aircraft reported fumes from one of its engines.
“However, there was no fire warning indication in the cockpit. As a matter of abundant precaution, and following the prescribed SOPs, the crew stopped on the taxiway and activated the onboard engine fire extinguishers.
“Thereafter, the passengers were evacuated from the aircraft. Full support was extended by Muscat Airport authorities and the passengers were brought to the terminal building.
“There were no major injuries reported except minor bruises to some passengers sustained during evacuation. The matter is being investigated by the regulatory authorities and also the Airline’s Flight Safety Department,” the airline said.
The airline is extending all facilities to the guests at Muscat. “The airline’s local management and support staff are on hand to provide assistance at Muscat airport,” the statement said. A relief flight has been arranged to bring back the passengers to Kochi.
