Etihad Flight Aborts Landing, Runway Blocked in Melbourne
An Etihad flight from Melbourne made a heart-stopping emergency stop yesterday, causing chaos at the airport. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was hurtling down the runway at close to 300km/h when the pilot slammed on the brakes, damaging the plane’s tyres and leaving it stranded on the tarmac. The incident occurred just before 7pm, sending shockwaves through the airport and disrupting flight operations.
Passengers Safe But Stranded
Melbourne Airport officials confirmed that firefighting foam was used as a precaution after the aborted takeoff, leaving the runway blocked. Despite the dramatic stop, all passengers on board the flight, EY461 to Abu Dhabi, were safely evacuated and transported to the terminal by bus. The airport reported that repairs were already underway, but due to tyre damage, the plane couldn’t be towed off the runway immediately.
Eye-Witness Account
One passenger on the flight shared their harrowing experience with 3AW Drive host Jacqui Felgate, describing the terrifying moment when the plane had to come to a sudden halt. They mentioned that the landing gear caught fire, and two tyres burst, adding to the intense situation. Surrounded by fire trucks, the passengers were left in shock as they disembarked on the runway, grateful for their safety despite the ordeal.
Etihad’s Response
Etihad Airways released a statement explaining that the flight crew made the decision to halt the takeoff due to technical reasons. The airline reassured the public that the aircraft was brought to a safe stop, with emergency services on standby as a precautionary measure. Etihad expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to passengers and emphasized that guest and crew safety remained their top priority.
In situations like these, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death, it’s a stark reminder of the importance of well-trained flight crews and emergency response teams. The bravery and quick thinking of the pilot and crew ensured that all passengers were able to disembark safely, despite the frightening circumstances. As travelers, we put our trust in these professionals every time we board a plane, knowing that they are prepared to handle the unexpected with skill and composure. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep us safe in the skies.