An Etihad Airways flight from Melbourne to Abu Dhabi made an emergency landing after its tires “exploded” during takeoff on January 5, 2025. Smoke and flames engulfed the landing gear, prompting the crew to reject the takeoff and bring the plane to a halt on the runway. Emergency services responded, applying foam to the tires as a precaution. Thankfully, all 300 passengers and crew were unharmed.

An Etihad spokesperson said the crew prioritized safety, adding, “Guests have been disembarked safely, and our teams are working to enable onward journeys as quickly as possible. Etihad Airways sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused.” The incident caused delays at Melbourne Airport, with only one runway in operation.

Passengers described the intense situation, with one reporting the plane had to “slam on the emergency brakes” as the landing gear caught fire. Video footage of the event captured the emergency response.

In related news, a Jeju Air flight tragically crashed at Muan International Airport, South Korea, on December 29, killing 179 of 181 passengers. The plane’s landing gear failed, causing it to skid into a wall after a reported “bird strike” warning. Two surviving crew members remain hospitalized as investigations continue.