History of Flight
On 06 February 2026 at 18:47:55 UTC, a serious incident occurred in the Muscat Flight Information Region (FIR) in the vicinity of TOLDA. The aircraft involved were Etihad Airways flights: an Airbus A320-232, registration A6-EIM (designated ETD7AN), and a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registration A6-BLX (designated ETD476).
The Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) in Bravo sector instructed the flight crew of ETD7AN to descend from flight level (FL) 360 to FL340 and to expedite due to converging traffic (VOZ001) at FL360. The readback was unclear. While ETD476 was at FL330 from Central Sector, a yellow Short-Term Conflict Alert (STCA) and Level Bust (LB) indication activated. Mode S showed ETD7AN descending to FL320. The ATCO instructed ETD7AN to stop descent and level off at FL340, but there was no response. After 20 seconds, the crew replied and were instructed again to maintain FL340 and turn right 50 degrees, with no response. As ETD7AN passed through FL332, the crew of ETD476 reported a TCAS Resolution Advisory (RA). Subsequently, ETD7AN reported they had a TCAS RA and asked for navigation instructions. The ATCO instructed them to proceed direct to TULBU. Both aircraft continued to their destinations and landed safely.
Injuries to Persons
None reported.
Damage to Aircraft
None reported.
Other Damage
None reported.
Aircraft Information
The Airbus A320-232 (A6-EIM) and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (A6-BLX) were both operated by Etihad Airways. No further aircraft details were provided in the preliminary report.
Meteorological Information
Not specified.
ATC Communication
The ATCO provided navigational services. The report notes the readback from ETD7AN was unclear. After the descent deviation, communication difficulties occurred until the crew reported the TCAS RA.
Flight Recorders
Not mentioned.
Organizational and Management Information
Not specified.
Investigation
The Oman Transport Safety Bureau (OTSB) was notified on 8 February 2026 and appointed an investigation team. The investigation is ongoing; this is a preliminary report. No probable cause has been determined.