An Air India Express Boeing 737-800 has been grounded in Muscat for over nine days following a serious take-off accident on May 15.

According to a report by The Hindu, the Kannur-bound aircraft mistakenly aligned with the runway edge lights during departure, treating them as the actual runway. The plane struck and damaged multiple lights in the process.

The flight crew rejected the take-off after hearing a “big bang” and receiving a cockpit alert. The impact resulted in a hydraulic leak and a deflated tyre.

Oman’s air accident investigation body has officially classified the occurrence as an accident. An investigation into the incident is reportedly underway.