Delays after wheels of Etihad Airways plane ‘explode’ at Melbourne Airport

The wheels of a plane carrying almost 300 passengers have exploded on the runway at Melbourne Airport, causing delays and “disruptions” to other flights.

The 289 passengers bound for Abu Dhabi from Melbourne Airport on Etihad flight EY461 on Sunday evening had to be taken off the plane to the airport’s terminal, with the Herald Sun reporting brakes were slammed due to a “technical” issue.

It has been reported that two tyres “exploded”, with firetrucks at the scene about 6.15pm on Sunday.

A Melbourne Airport spokesperson confirmed the Etihad Airways flight had “rejected takeoff”.

“The Aviation Rescue and Firefighting Service responded to a request from the aircraft and deployed firefighting foam as a precaution,” the spokesperson said.

“Due to damage to the aircraft’s tyres, we have been unable to tow it off the runway.

“Repairs are currently under way. All passengers safely disembarked the aircraft and were bussed to the terminal yesterday evening.”

The wheels of an Etihad Airways plane have reportedly exploded on the runway at Melbourne Airport, sparking delays and affecting other flights as only one runway remained open.

The incident caused disruptions to other flights, though the airport still had one runway available for all arrivals and departures on Sunday night through to Monday morning.

“While there have been no cancellations at this stage, there have been disruptions to some flights,” the airport spokesperson said.

“Some flights have departed with less fuel and will need to refuel on the way to their final destination.”

An Etihad Airways statement said “technical reasons” were to blame for the aborted takeoff.

“The flight crew decided to halt the takeoff for technical reasons. The aircraft was safely brought to a stop on the runway and emergency services attended as a precaution,” the statement read.

“Guests have been disembarked safely and our teams are working to enable them to continue their onward journeys as quickly as possible.”

The statement said the airline “sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused”.

“The safety and comfort of our guests and crew remain our highest priority,” the statement read.

It’s understood two tyres deflated, causing the rejected takeoff.

The plane was “safely towed” from the runway on Monday morning, with a Melbourne Airport spokesperson confirming the runway has reopened.

Passengers from Etihad flight EY461 are also set to be booked onto other flights.

“Runway inspections have been completed and the runway has been reopened for operations,” the airport spokesperson said.

“While repairs were undertaken in preparation for the aircraft to be towed, we continued to use our east-west runway through the night and into this morning for all arrivals and departures.

“While there have been no cancellations at this stage, there were disruptions to some flights, and we apologise to passengers for any inconvenience.

“Etihad Airways has advised that it is rebooking passengers on future flights.”