An Etihad Airways flight carrying around 280 passengers to Abu Dhabi was stopped at Chennai airport after a fire was reported on one of the aircraft’s wings.
The incident took place while the flight was preparing for take-off, prompting an immediate emergency response at the airport, according to News18 reports.
Fire was detected during take-off preparations
The Abu Dhabi-bound Etihad Airways aircraft was preparing for departure from Chennai when airport officials noticed flames and smoke coming from the left wing of the plane. Emergency services stationed at the airport rushed to the spot and managed to contain the situation quickly.
Authorities said the fire was brought under control without any injuries to passengers or crew members. As a precautionary measure, the airline decided to cancel the flight after the incident.
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Passengers evacuated safely
All passengers on board were safely deboarded after the emergency was detected. Officials ensured that evacuation procedures were followed without panic or confusion.
Airport teams, along with fire and rescue personnel, responded immediately after the issue was reported. The swift action helped prevent the situation from escalating further.
Airline prioritised passenger safety
Following the incident, Etihad Airways cancelled the flight, citing safety concerns. The airline has not yet shared detailed information on what caused the fire on the wing. Technical teams are expected to inspect the aircraft to determine the exact reason behind the incident.
Officials also said there were no reports of injuries or major damage beyond the affected area of the aircraft. Passenger safety remained the top priority during the emergency response.
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An investigation is likely into the incident
Authorities are expected to carry out a detailed investigation into the incident to understand how the fire broke out during take-off preparations. Aviation and airport officials will likely examine the aircraft and review operational procedures as part of the inquiry.
The incident briefly caused concern at Chennai airport, though the quick response by emergency personnel helped avoid a major mishap.
