An Etihad Airways flight bound for Abu Dhabi was forced to abort its take-off from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport on January 5 due to a technical issue, the airline confirmed in a statement.
Flight EY461, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, came to a halt on the runway after the flight crew made the decision to reject the take-off. Emergency services promptly attended the scene as a precautionary measure.
According to Etihad, the incident involved two tyres on the aircraft’s landing gear bursting during the high-speed rejected take-off. Fire crews applied foam to the tyres, a standard safety procedure in such situations. Despite initial videos circulating online showing smoke around the aircraft, the airline clarified that the plane did not catch fire.
“All passengers and crew onboard were safely disembarked without any injuries,” the airline said. “Our teams are working to assist passengers in continuing their journeys as quickly as possible.”
Emergency services ensured the situation was under control, and the passengers were transferred to the terminal, where Etihad staff provided support.
In a statement to local media, an Etihad Airways spokesperson emphasized the airline’s commitment to passenger safety. “Etihad Airways sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused. The safety and comfort of our guests and crew remain our highest priority.”
The incident disrupted operations temporarily at Melbourne Airport, but no other flights were reported to have been significantly affected.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, known for its advanced safety and efficiency features, is a key aircraft in Etihad’s fleet. Experts note that tyre bursts during high-speed rejected take-offs are relatively routine and are managed through established safety protocols.
Etihad Airways is now conducting an investigation into the technical issue that led to the aborted take-off, as is customary in such incidents.
The airline has assured passengers that it is making arrangements to rebook or accommodate them on alternative flights to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.
The incident underscores the critical importance of safety procedures and quick decision-making in aviation, with industry experts commending the crew’s handling of the situation.
This marks another instance of airlines navigating technical challenges while maintaining their commitment to passenger safety and service continuity.
