Two tires burst at Melbourne Airport, forcing an Abu Dhabi-bound Etihad Airways plane carrying around 300 passengers to abort takeoff.
Flight EY461 from Melbourne to Abu Dhabi, carrying 289 passengers, was about to take off when the incident occurred on January 5, 2025. Emergency services at Melbourne Airport surrounded the Boeing 787 and applied protective foam to the landing gear for safety. This was reported by the British Mirror newspaper.
The airline confirmed that all 289 passengers were safely evacuated and escorted to the terminal. Other flights were subsequently delayed due to runway closures at Australian airports.
An Etihad Airways spokesperson said: “Etihad Airways flight EY461 from Melbourne (MEL) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) experienced a rejected takeoff on January 5, 2025. The flight crew aborted the takeoff for technical reasons. “However, the aircraft aborted takeoff.” The plane came to a safe stop on the runway and emergency services were called out as a precaution.
“You have safely disembarked and our teams are working to get you on your next journey as soon as possible. Etihad Airways sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused.”
“The safety and comfort of our customers and crew continues to be our top priority. Fire crews applied foam to the aircraft’s landing gear tires, a routine precaution after a rejected high-speed takeoff.”
Representatives from Melbourne Airport confirmed maintenance work was underway, with operations continuing to use the single runway. “Etihad Airways flight EY461 refused take-off while departing from Melbourne Airport to Abu Dhabi this evening. Air Rescue Fire Brigade responded to the request from the aircraft and deployed fire extinguishing foam as a precautionary measure.”
“Due to damage to the aircraft’s tires, we were unable to tow the aircraft from the runway. Repairs are currently underway. All passengers have disembarked from the aircraft and taken to the terminal by bus. The runway is available for operations. There is minimal impact on other flights and it will be used for all arrivals and departures.”
