On Sunday evening, Etihad Airways flight EY461 found itself at the center of unexpected drama as it had to abort take-off at Melbourne Airport due to two tires bursting. Carrying nearly 300 passengers, the plane was preparing for its scheduled departure to Abu Dhabi around 6:15 pm when the incident occurred, resulting in emergency services being called to the scene.
The aborted take-off led to evacuations where all 289 passengers were safely disembarked from the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with no reported injuries. Eyewitness accounts from the scene described alarming moments, with one passenger detailing how the plane had to “slam on the emergency brakes” just as it was about to lift off. "Apparently, landing gear caught fire and reportedly two tyres have burst," the passenger communicated to 3AW Drive.
Following the incident, Melbourne Airport was quick to respond. They confirmed the emergency measures, stating, “Due to damage to the aircraft’s tyres, we have been unable to tow it off the runway.” The airport also mentioned the deployment of firefighting foam as standard protocol during such incidents. It highlighted its commitment to safety, noting, “Firefighting foam was used as a precaution.” Meanwhile, the runway was partially closed, which complicated operations as only one runway remained functional for incoming and outgoing flights.
Etihad Airways' official statement acknowledged the mechanical issues: “The flight crew chose to abort the take-off for mechanical issues, and emergency services attended as a precaution.” The assurance of passenger safety was central to their communications with them, emphasizing their highest priority for safety and comfort.
While the aircraft remained on the runway, repairs were underway. Passengers were later bused back to the terminal and rebooked on alternative flights, as the aircraft stuck on the runway created substantial delays affecting travel schedules. The airport spokesperson reassured travelers, stating, “All passengers have disembarked the aircraft and have been bussed to the terminal.”
The impact was noticeable across flight operations at Melbourne Airport, with several arrivals and departures being rescheduled. Reports indicated minimal flight disruptions, but some airlines had to adjust, departing with reduced fuel capacity due to the runway being partially operational. This incident happened at one of the busiest times for the airport, which is expecting record numbers with over 4.8 million passengers anticipated during the holiday season.
Early Monday morning, Melbourne Airport updated on the situation, confirming the aircraft was successfully towed from the runway, which allowed for runway inspections to be conducted and accessibility restored for normal flight operations. The incident illuminated potential risks during busy travel periods and showcased the necessary quick response protocols needed for aviation safety.
Passengers on the affected flight received continuous updates from Etihad Airways as they were encouraged to keep their contact information current to receive the most timely notices. Despite the chaos, the airline expressed its remorse for any inconvenience caused, reiteratively ensuring guests of their commitment to safety. The circumstances surrounding the tire failure would likely be reviewed as part of routine safety investigations to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The rapid response from airport officials and the safety of passengers marked this incident as both alarming yet well-managed, providing lessons for future safety protocols as air travel continues to grow.