Etihad B787 rejects takeoff at Melbourne Airport after two main gear tires burst

An Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft had to reject its takeoff at Melbourne Airport (MEL) after it suffered two burst main gear tires.

Flight EY 461 was scheduled to depart from Melbourne to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) on January 5, 2025. 

The 7.6-year-old widebody aircraft, with registration A6-BLN, was preparing to take off from runway 34.

At some point during takeoff, the aircraft rejected the procedure after two of its main landing gear tires burst.

An Eithad plane with 289 passengers on board has been forced to abort take-off after smoke from the plane’s landing gear caused two wheels to explode this afternoon at Melbourne Airport. pic.twitter.com/xDJACwFOLm— The Melbourne Snap (@MelbourneSnap) January 5, 2025 A video clip of the aircraft on the runway had been uploaded on social media platform X. The video was taken after the tires had burst, showing the B787 on a standstill on the runway while a fire truck shot jets of water stream onto the aircraft tires.

Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier provided an update on its social media channels, saying that its pilots rejected takeoff due to “operational reasons.”

We’d like to provide an update on Etihad flight EY461 at Melbourne Airport on 5 Jan.Our pilots made the decision to reject take-off for operational reasons. This procedure is the safest course of action to protect everyone on board in such situations.The aircraft was safely…— Etihad Airways (@etihad) January 6, 2025 Etihad added that after the aircraft was safely brought to a stop, foam was applied to the two landing gear tires, saying that this was a “normal occurrence” in such cases.

All 289 passengers were bussed to the terminal and re-accommodated on alternate flights. No injuries were reported.

Update on Etihad Airways flight EY461:> the pilot rejected take off yesterday evening when departing for Abu Dhabi. All 289 passengers safely disembarked the aircraft and were bussed to the terminal. The Etihad aircraft has been safely towed from the runway, inspections have been…— Melbourne Airport (@Melair) January 5, 2025 On January 6, 2025, Melbourne Airport said that the Etihad aircraft had been safely towed, inspections were completed, and the runway had been reopened for operations.

RELATED

Etihad opens US Preclearance lounge at Abu Dhabi airport for eligible guests

The post Etihad B787 rejects takeoff at Melbourne Airport after two main gear tires burst appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source