Etihad Airways flight aborts take-off at Melbourne Airport
An Etihad Airways flight carrying 289 passengers was forced to abort its take-off at Melbourne Airport on Sunday evening after an incident involving its landing gear. The drama unfolded just moments before the Abu Dhabi-bound plane was set to depart, causing significant disruptions to airport operations.
Emergency Braking Due to Landing Gear Smoke
The Boeing 787 jet, designated as flight EY461, was accelerating down the runway shortly after 6 p.m. when smoke reportedly began emanating from its landing gear. Witnesses said the flight crew initiated emergency braking procedures, which caused two of the plane’s wheels to burst.
Footage from the scene captured the aircraft immobilized on the runway, surrounded by fire trucks and emergency responders.
A passenger onboard recounted the experience to 3AW’s Jacqui Felgate, explaining that the plane “had to slam on the emergency brakes” due to what appeared to be a fire in the landing gear.
No Injuries Reported
Despite the tense situation, there were no reports of injuries among passengers or crew. The plane was brought safely to a halt on the runway, and all passengers were subsequently disembarked and returned to the terminal.
An Etihad Airways spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating, “The flight crew decided to halt the take-off for technical reasons. The aircraft was safely brought to a stop on the runway, and emergency services attended as a precaution.”
Fire services applied foam to the aircraft’s tires—a routine safety measure following a high-speed rejected take-off.
Impact on Airport Operations
The aborted take-off caused extensive delays at Melbourne Airport.
Due to damage to the aircraft’s tires, it could not be immediately towed off the runway, resulting in the closure of one of the airport’s two runways. An airport spokesperson explained, “We continue to have one runway available for operations, which will be used for all arrivals and departures.”
The disruption led to lengthy delays for both departing and arriving flights as crews worked to repair the damaged aircraft.
Passenger Frustrations and Airline Response
While Etihad Airways expressed regret over the incident, some passengers took to social media to voice their frustrations about the airline’s handling of the situation.
One passenger criticized the airline for its lack of communication and support, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Removing passengers without prior warning due to something that was known is not a good way to ensure we fly with you again. Having to care for young children and elderly passengers being removed from a flight due to hot weather is not acceptable in 2025.”
In response, an Etihad spokesperson emphasized the airline’s commitment to safety and comfort, saying, “Etihad Airways sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused. The safety and comfort of our guests and crew remain our highest priority.”
The airline also confirmed that alternative arrangements were being made for affected passengers.
A Routine Precaution in Aviation
The use of emergency braking and the subsequent application of foam by fire services highlight the rigorous safety protocols in place for such incidents. Aviation experts note that rejected take-offs are rare but necessary when potential technical issues arise during take-off.
While the incident disrupted travel plans, the absence of injuries and the swift response from emergency teams underscore the effectiveness of these measures.
Looking Ahead
Etihad Airways has pledged to address the concerns raised by passengers and ensure that the affected travelers reach their destinations as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, Melbourne Airport continues to manage operations with one runway while repairs to the damaged aircraft are underway.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of air travel and the critical importance of safety measures in safeguarding passengers and crew during unexpected situations.
