On January 5, 2025, Etihad Airways' scheduled flight EY 461 from Melbourne (MEL) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) was aborted due to a technical incident prior to departure. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, registration A6-BLN, experienced a breakdown during takeoff that caused two main landing gear tires to burst. Fortunately, the incident was uninjured and passengers were safely rebooked.
The 7,6-year-old Etihad Airways Airbus Dreamliner was already in position to take off from runway 34 at Melbourne International Airport when the incident occurred. During takeoff, as the aircraft was already gaining speed, a dramatic incident occurred: two tires on the main landing gear burst. The pilots reacted immediately and decided to abort the takeoff to ensure the safety of the passengers and the aircraft.
The incident was documented in the form of a video on the social media platform X. In this clip, the plane can be seen still taxiing on the runway while fire engines shoot water jets at the damaged tires. This measure is standard procedure to prevent the tires from overheating and to ensure the safety of the aircraft.
Immediate action and safety
Etihad Airways responded quickly and accurately. In a statement, the airline said that the pilots aborted the takeoff due to "operational reasons." After the plane landed safely on the runway, a foam was applied to the damaged tires, a process that is standard procedure when tire problems are expected. This measure is intended to reassure passengers and prevent fires or further damage.
The aircraft was then safely brought to a stop and all 289 passengers were able to disembark without incident. In a further statement, Etihad Airways said that the passengers were transported by bus to the terminal, where they were then rebooked on alternative flights. No injuries were reported and the passengers were able to reach the terminal without major delay.
Airport reaction and inspection process
Following the incident, Melbourne Airport assumed responsibility for the continued handling of the incident. On 6 January 2025, the airport announced that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner had been safely towed and the necessary inspections had been completed. Following the inspection, the runway was reopened for operations and the airport returned to its regular operations.
The cause of the tire burst is currently being investigated. Airplanes are equipped with specially designed tires that must work under extreme conditions. A tire burst during takeoff is a serious incident, even if in this case it did not have serious consequences. The investigation will help to determine whether it was a technical failure or whether external factors played a role.
Etihad Airways' handling of the incident
Etihad Airways has been transparent about the incident on social media and through official channels, thanking everyone for the quick and safe handling of the incident. The airline has also stressed that its pilots are regularly trained in emergency situations in order to manage such incidents efficiently and safely. The incident has once again demonstrated the importance of a quick and prudent response from the crew and proper maintenance of the aircraft.
This incident highlights the strict safety precautions and protocols implemented by airlines and airports worldwide to protect the wellbeing of passengers. Etihad Airways has demonstrated its ability to respond quickly when an incident occurs and ensure the safety of its passengers and the aircraft.
The incident involving Etihad Airways' Boeing 787 Dreamliner is another example of the high level of professionalism of international airlines and the efficient handling of emergencies. Although the incident seemed dramatic at first glance, it was without injuries and was handled professionally thanks to the quick response of the pilots and airport staff. It is hoped that the investigation into the cause of the tire burst will help to prevent similar incidents in the future and further increase flight safety.