Jet Airways investigating Riyadh runway excursion

Few hours after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) suspended license of two pilots involved in runway excursion incident at Saudi Arabia, a Jet Airways spokesperson on Monday assured that the airline would continue to adhere to all requirements needed.

The spokesperson further said that the matter is now under investigation.

The pilots of the Jet Airways mistook a taxiway for a runway, leading to the skidding of the aircraft onto an unpaved area at Riyadh airport following an aborted take-off on August 3.

A Jet Airways spokesperson, in his statement, said, "Jet Airways is in contact with DGCA and has extended all co-operation with regard to the said incident. The airline will continue to adhere to all requirements as laid down by the regulator. The matter is currently under investigation and we cannot comment on this issue."

The airlines further stated that at "Jet Airways, safety is of paramount importance of its crew and guests."

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Aviation Investigation Bureau (AIB) had earlier issued a statement saying, "The aircraft accelerated with full take-off power and exceeded the taxiway onto an unpaved area ending up close to the exit of taxiway (G4) north of taxiway (K). Visibility was high and no obstacles or foreign objects were found on the taxiway."

It had added that fire and rescue teams were rushed to the spot who carried out an emergency evacuation of all passengers and crew. Nobody suffered injuries.

The statement had further said that the AIB was conducting a safety investigation of the incident with the participation of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of India.

The incident occurred around 12.30 am (local time) when the Mumbai-bound flight 9W-523, carrying 141 passengers and seven crew members attempted to take-off from the taxiway.