An Etihad Airways flight heading to Abu Dhabi had to abort its take-off at Melbourne Airport on Sunday evening after two tyres burst. The incident happened around 6:15 PM, with nearly 300 passengers on board. Thankfully, everyone was safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
Flight EY461 was preparing to depart when witnesses noticed what appeared to be the landing gear catching fire. Shortly after, the take-off was canceled. Passengers were transferred to a replacement plane that left about two hours later, ensuring they could continue their journey.
In a statement, Etihad Airways explained, “Our flight EY461 from Melbourne has been delayed due to a refused take-off. The flight crew decided to abort the take-off due to mechanical issues, and emergency services were called as a precaution.”
Melbourne Airport also addressed the situation, confirming the aircraft had to remain on the runway due to the damage to its tyres. They mentioned that repairs would be carried out on-site.
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a popular long-haul jet. Unfortunately, the delay meant some passengers missed their connecting flights.
Despite the inconvenience, the quick action of the flight crew and airport staff ensured everyone’s safety, which is always the top priority.
Comments