An Etihad Airways plane was forced into a dramatic emergency landing after its tyres reportedly "exploded" during take-off from Melbourne Airport, sparking fear among the nearly 300 passengers aboard.

This alarming incident occurred on a routine flight set to take passengers from Melbourne to Abu Dhabi on Sunday, December 5. While accelerating down the runway, witnesses reported seeing smoke billowing from the aircraft’s landing gear, shortly followed by flames engulfing the wheels.

A passenger on board detailed the terrifying experience during an interview, recounting how the crew had to slam on the emergency brakes as the situation escalated when the landing gear reportedly caught fire. Footage of the incident captured by a local TV host, Jacqui Felgate, illustrated the extent of the emergency, which could have turned catastrophic.

Miraculously, all passengers and crew members were unharmed, with no injuries reported. An Etihad Airways spokesperson acknowledged the situation, confirming that flight EY461 experienced a "rejected take-off" for technical reasons. The airline praised the flight crew for their quick thinking that ensured a safe stop on the runway, where emergency services were promptly deployed as a precautionary measure.

Passengers were safely disembarked and provided assistance to continue their journeys, with Etihad expressing regret over the disruption caused. The aircraft’s landing gear received immediate attention, with fire services applying foam to suppress any lingering flames—a standard protocol after high-speed rejected take-offs.

However, the incident led to significant delays at Melbourne Airport, as the affected aircraft remained on the runway, necessitating repairs. An airport spokesperson confirmed that the Aviation Rescue and Firefighting Service responded swiftly and all remaining operations continued using another available runway.

In a devastating turn of events, this incident has drawn attention to another recent aviation tragedy. Just days prior, a Jeju Air flight at Muan International Airport in South Korea tragically crashed during an emergency landing. Of the 181 passengers aboard, a staggering 179 were confirmed dead when the aircraft skidded on its belly due to landing gear malfunction, crashing into a wall. Only two crew members survived, highlighting the extreme risks faced by airline operators.

Air travel continues to be an essential mode of transportation, but incidents like these serve as stark reminders of the potential dangers in the skies. As airlines and aviation authorities strive to enhance safety protocols, passenger vigilance and understanding remain paramount.