The wheels of a plane carrying almost 300 passengers have reportedly exploded on the runway at Melbourne Airport, causing delays and “disruptions” to other flights.

The 289 passengers bound for Abu Dhabi from Melbourne Airport on Etihad flight EY461 on Sunday evening had to be taken off the plane and taken to the airport’s terminal, with the Herald Sun reporting brakes were slammed on due to a “technical” issue.

It has been reported that two tyres “exploded”, with firetrucks at the scene at about 6.15pm on Sunday.

A Melbourne Airport spokesperson confirmed the Etihad Airways flight had “rejected takeoff”.

“The Aviation Rescue and Firefighting Service responded to a request from the aircraft and deployed fire-fighting foam as a precaution,” the spokesperson said.

“Due to damage to the aircraft’s tyres, we have been unable to tow it off the runway.

“Repairs are currently under way. All passengers safely disembarked the aircraft and were bussed to the terminal yesterday evening.”

The wheels of an Etihad Airways plane have reportedly exploded on the runway at Melbourne Airport, sparking delays and affecting other flights as only one runway remained open.

The incident caused disruptions to other flights, though the airport still had one runway available for all arrivals and departures as of Monday morning

“While there have been no cancellations at this stage, there have been disruptions to some flights,” the airport spokesperson said.

“Some flights have departed with less fuel and will need to refuel on the way to their final destination.”

A statement from Etihad Airways posted to X (formerly Twitter) said “technical reasons” were to blame for the aborted takeoff.

“The flight crew decided to reject the takeoff for technical reasons and emergency services attended as a precaution,” the spokesperson said.

“The safety and comfort of our guests and crew remains our highest priority.”