Air India Express flight with 145 people catches fire in Muscat; all passengers evacuated safely

New Delhi: As many as 141 passengers were safely evacuated at the Muscat International Airport on Wednesday after smoke suddenly billowed out of an Air India Express flight, officials said.

The incident took place when the Kochi-bound Boeing 737-800 aircraft was grounded and the passengers were evacuated as a precautionary measure following a sudden smoke-emitting warning.

There were 141 passengers and six crew members on board, the source said. The aircraft was operating flight number IX 442.

According to an official, aviation regulator DGCA will probe the incident. The source said alternate arrangements are being made to take the passengers from Muscat to Kochi.