On January 5, 2025, Etihad Airways flight EY461, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, aborted its takeoff at Melbourne Airport (MEL). The flight was scheduled to depart for Abu Dhabi (AUH), but technical issues arose just as the plane was preparing to take off. Consequently, the crew decided to stop the takeoff and bring the aircraft to a secure halt on the runway.
Emergency crews quickly responded, surrounding the plane and applying firefighting foam to the landing gear. They followed standard safety procedures for a high-speed rejected takeoff. Initially, reports suggested that a fire in the landing gear had caused the tires to explode. However, Etihad clarified that the foam was used as a routine precaution, not due to any fire.
Fortunately, all 289 passengers safely disembarked and returned to the terminal. No injuries were reported. Etihad Airways expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and reassured passengers that their safety remained the airline’s top priority. The incident also disrupted operations at Melbourne Airport, with only one runway available for both arrivals and departures.
Due to the damage caused by the tire burst, the Boeing 787-9 could not be towed off the runway immediately. Therefore, the airline had to repair the aircraft before moving it. In the meantime, Etihad worked to rebook the affected passengers, minimizing delays. While the airline did not disclose the specific technical cause of the issue, it reaffirmed its commitment to strict safety protocols.
This incident highlights the importance of thorough safety checks and swift emergency responses. Additionally, both Etihad and Melbourne Airport authorities are investigating the cause to implement preventive measures for the future.
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