Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Saudi aviation security authorities have started an investigation into an incident involving an Indian carrier at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Friday.

According to a statement issued by the Air Investigation Bureau, a Jet Airways flight bound for Mumbai carrying 151 passengers and crewmembers on board skidded off the runway during takeoff Friday morning.

“The initial investigation indicated that the Boeing 737-800 aircraft veered off the runway abruptly during takeoff, sparking a minor fire in the engine,” the bureau said in a statement.

“Rescue teams along with firefighting personnel immediately plunged into action and evacuated all passengers safely without any casualties," it said.

The Jet Airways flight 9W523 on Friday was cancelled following the incident. The passengers were accommodated on alternative flights to reach Mumbai the next day.

Jet Airways confirmed the incident and said its teams providing full cooperation to the local authorities in the investigation as the safety of the passengers and crew are of paramount importance to any airline.

The airline said some of the passengers were allowed to go home while others were provided with lodging facility close to the airport.

Jet Airways said the airline's operations across the network, including services from and to Riyadh, remained unaffected.

However, some passengers complained of difficulties after they were lodged in a local hotel.