Chennai: An Etihad Airways flight destined for Abu Dhabi was forced to abort its takeoff from Chennai International Airport on Tuesday morning after a fire was detected on its left wing. The aircraft, carrying approximately 280 passengers, was in the midst of its taxiing and takeoff preparations when the alert pilots noticed flames emanating from the wing area. Acting with commendable speed, the flight crew immediately halted the departure, preventing what could have been a far more serious incident on the runway.
Following the detection of the blaze, airport emergency protocols were instantly activated. Fire Service personnel reached the aircraft within minutes and successfully extinguished the fire before it could spread to the main fuselage. All 280 passengers were safely disembarked from the plane, and airport officials have confirmed that no injuries were reported among the travellers or the crew members. While the “hot start” to the journey certainly caused a fair amount of alarm, the professional conduct of the ground staff ensured that the evacuation remained orderly and swift.
In the aftermath of the incident, the flight was officially cancelled as technical teams began a preliminary investigation into the cause of the fire. Etihad Airways has not yet provided a detailed comment regarding the mechanical failure or the specific arrangements being made for the stranded passengers. Travellers at the terminal were assisted by airport staff as the grounded aircraft was moved for further inspection. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of pre-takeoff vigilance and the rapid-response capabilities of airport emergency services.
