Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner Aborts Takeoff at Melbourne Airport After Bursting Tires

A recent incident at Melbourne Airport sent shockwaves through the aviation industry as an Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner had to abruptly abort its takeoff to Abu Dhabi due to two burst main gear tires. The scheduled flight, EY 461, was all set for departure on January 5, 2025, when the unexpected incident occurred.

The 7.6-year-old widebody aircraft, sporting the registration A6-BLN, was about to launch from runway 34 when the crew made the critical decision to reject takeoff after the tires burst. This turn of events left the 289 passengers on board in a state of panic, yet thankfully, no injuries were reported.

An eye-catching video captured the dramatic scene, shared widely on social media, depicting the Boeing 787 motionless on the tarmac as a fire truck sprayed jets of water onto the afflicted tires. The gravity of the situation was not lost on the airline, as Etihad Airways promptly updated concerned individuals on social media, explaining that the pilots' actions were taken for "operational reasons."

Etihad reassured the public that following the safe halt of the aircraft, necessary measures were taken, including applying foam to the damaged landing gear tires—a routine procedure in such circumstances. Passengers were swiftly transported to the terminal and arranged on alternative flights, prioritizing their safety and convenience.

In the aftermath of the incident, Melbourne Airport officials confirmed that the Etihad Dreamliner had been towed to safety, thorough checks were conducted, and operations resumed smoothly. This incident serves as a testament to the high standards of safety and efficiency adhered to in the aviation industry.