Etihad Airways aborts take-off from Melbourne airport as tyres explode on runway

In a video going viral on social media, multiple fire trucks could be seen rushing and spraying at the plane’s landing gear as the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was surrounded by the authorities on the tarmac.

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A post shared by JACQUELINE FELGATE (@jacquifelgate)

In a post on X, Etihad stated “Our flight EY461 from Melbourne has been delayed, following a rejected take-off. The flight crew decided to reject the take-off for technical reasons and emergency services attended as a precaution. The safety and comfort of our guests and crew remains our highest priority.”

The incident at the tarmac led to the delay in arrival and departure of flights as the runway was shut. No passenger was hurt in the incident as the Etihad Airways flight, carrying 289 passengers, was later on towed away safely from the tarmac.

Our flight EY461 from Melbourne has been delayed, following a rejected take-off. The flight crew decided to reject the take-off for technical reasons and emergency services attended as a precaution. The safety and comfort of our guests and crew remains our highest priority. *Luke

— Etihad Airways (@etihad) January 5, 2025

A Melbourne airport spokesperson informed about the runway opening and said, “The Etihad aircraft has been safely towed from the runway at Melbourne Airport. Runway inspections have been completed and the runway has been reopened for operations this morning,” reported The Guardian.

All the passengers were disembarked from the plane and bussed to the terminal.