Runway Archives - Aviation Today

Safarilink Aircraft Veers Off Runway At Wilson Airport, All 39 Onboard Escape Unharmed

Aviation Today News Desk / March 23, 2026

Nairobi, Kenya: A Safarilink Aviation passenger aircraft veered off the runway while landing at Wilson Airport on Friday night, triggering […]

Brussels, Belgium: A Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) Airbus A320neo operating flight SK2590 from Brussels Airport (BRU) to Copenhagen (CPH) narrowly avoided a serious runway incident on Thursday evening after pilots inadvertently initiated a takeoff roll on a taxiway rather than the designated runway, aviation tracking data and eyewitness reports confirm. The flight, cleared for departure from Runway 07R shortly after 21:00 UTC, taxied toward the runway but instead turned onto a parallel taxiway (identified as E1/V1) and began accelerating as if commencing a normal departure. Flightradar24 data shows the aircraft reached approximately 107 knots (around 198 km/h) before the crew recognised the error and aborted the takeoff, applying heavy braking and reverse thrust to bring the aircraft to a stop near the end of the taxiway and adjacent grassy area. All 135 passengers and crew disembarked safely, and there are no reported injuries. Airport fire and rescue services assisted passengers, who were later rebooked onto alternate flights to Copenhagen. SAS’s Head of Communications, Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji, confirmed the incident to Danish broadcaster TV 2, stating that the flight from Brussels to Copenhagen was canceled due to an “irregularity.” She confirmed the airline’s account of an aborted departure and that passengers were accommodated on subsequent services. Belgian civil aviation authorities have initiated a formal investigation into the circumstances that led to the aircraft taking the wrong surface for departure. Investigators will review air traffic control communications, flight crew procedures, and airport surface signage and lighting, particularly given the complex layout of taxiways and runways at one of Europe’s busiest hubs. The taxiway departures are rare and emphasise the importance of rigorous cross-checks by flight crews and air traffic controllers to ensure correct runway alignment before high-speed acceleration. Any final determinations about human factors or procedural issues will await the outcome of the official investigation

Incidents

SAS A320neo Narrowly Avoids Runway Incident After Taxiway Takeoff Attempt In Brussels

Aviation Today News Desk / February 6, 2026

Brussels, Belgium: A Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) Airbus A320neo operating flight SK2590 from Brussels Airport (BRU) to Copenhagen (CPH) narrowly avoided

Las Vegas, United States: A British Airways Airbus A350-1000 lost a rear landing gear wheel shortly after departing Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas while en route to London Heathrow Airport, officials and aviation trackers confirmed. The incident occurred on Monday evening, 26 January, when Flight BA274, operated by a British Airways Airbus A350-1000 registered G-XWBN, was climbing out after takeoff around 9:05 p.m. local time. Livestream footage from an automated airport camera showed sparks near the right main landing gear as the aircraft lifted off, followed seconds later by the separation of the right-rear wheel assembly as the gear was retracting. Despite the unusual mechanical failure, the flight continued across the Atlantic Ocean and landed safely at Heathrow Airport at about 14:28 GMT on Tuesday, approximately nine hours after departure. Airport officials at Harry Reid International confirmed the wheel was recovered from the airfield, and that no injuries or damage to airport property were reported as a result of the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified. British Airways said in a statement that “safety and security underpins everything we do” and that the airline is supporting authorities with their investigations into the cause of the separation. The Airbus A350-1000 is equipped with a robust multi-wheel landing gear system, with six wheels on each main landing gear bogie. The detached wheel was the outermost rear wheel on the right main gear. Such redundancy typically allows an aircraft to operate safely even with a single wheel loss, provided all other systems remain within normal operating parameters. Cabin crew conducted an onboard engineering assessment once the aircraft reached cruising altitude and determined there was no immediate safety risk necessitating a diversion to an alternate airport. The decision to complete the transatlantic flight to London was made in consultation with British Airways’ operations and engineering teams. Upon arrival at Heathrow, the aircraft was taken out of service for inspection and repairs. Investigators are expected to examine the landing gear assembly and maintenance history to determine the cause of the wheel separation.

Incidents

British Airways flight Loses Wheel After Las Vegas Takeoff, Lands Safely In London UK

Aviation Today News Desk / January 29, 2026

Las Vegas, United States: A British Airways Airbus A350-1000 lost a rear landing gear wheel shortly after departing Harry Reid

Delhi, India: Air traffic in and out of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is facing significant disruption this week as temporary airspace closures come into force ahead of the 77th Republic Day celebrations. Authorities have issued formal restrictions that are expected to affect hundreds of scheduled flights between January 21 and January 26. Under Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and associated civil aviation agencies, the airspace over Delhi will be closed to commercial departures and arrivals daily between 10:20 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. (IST) for a duration of 2 hours 25 minutes. The restrictions are designed to facilitate military flypast rehearsals, parade drills and associated aerial security procedures ahead of the Republic Day parade. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, more than 600 flights are likely to be delayed, rescheduled or cancelled over the six-day period due to the closure coinciding with one of IGIA’s busiest scheduling windows. Airlines have warned of unpredictable movement patterns throughout the affected window, with adjustments to flight departures and arrivals increasingly likely during the restricted hours. Passengers travelling to or from Delhi are being urged to check flight status updates directly with carriers before their scheduled departure. On January 19, well ahead of the formal restriction dates, three Srinagar–Delhi flights were cancelled as preliminary rehearsals triggered temporary shutdowns of critical airspace corridors, highlighting the cascading impacts of the restrictions. Regional disruptions are also emerging. On the Delhi–Pantnagar route, early-morning services were cancelled due to the imposed no-fly zone, with airlines offering rebooking or refunds to affected passengers. Similarly, two Air India flights operating between Nagpur and Delhi have been cancelled through January 26 as operators adjust schedules in light of the closure. The closures coincide with peak winter weather conditions in the national capital region. Dense fog and poor visibility have already contributed to flight delays and cancellations at IGIA and other airports in northern India in recent days. A travel advisory issued on January 17 by Delhi Airport officials highlighted that persistent fog coupled with heightened Republic Day security measures could create compounded challenges for passengers and airlines. The airspace restrictions form part of an integrated national security plan for Republic Day, which also includes extensive no-fly zones and road traffic curbs in central Delhi on rehearsal and parade days. Delhi Police and civil aviation authorities have coordinated the measures to balance security needs with transport continuity.

Airports

Republic Day Airspace Closures May Affect 600+ Flights At Delhi IGIA For 6 Days

Aviation Today News Desk / January 21, 2026

Delhi, India: Air traffic in and out of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is facing significant disruption this week as

Adelaide, Australia: A trainee pilot from Adelaide Aviation flight school walked away uninjured after the light aircraft he was flying crashed and burst into flames at Parafield Airport in Adelaide’s northern suburbs on Monday afternoon, authorities and eyewitness accounts confirmed. The sole occupant of the aircraft was identified as a 21-year-old student pilot Youngin Kim, who walked away uninjured. The single-engine aircraft reported to be a Cessna 172 experienced a heavy landing during a solo training circuit at about 12:30 pm local time before erupting into flames and sending thick black smoke across the airport grounds. Emergency crews from Parafield Airport and South Australia Police responded within minutes, containing the fire that had also spread to nearby grassland. No other aircraft were involved, and there were no injuries apart from damage to the aircraft. A spokesperson for Adelaide Aviation said the trainee was “very lucky” to walk away unscathed. Sherman Anthoney, representing the flight school based at Parafield Airport, told the media the incident was an extremely rare and sobering reminder of the hazards that can occur even in routine flight training environments. Parafield Airport operators confirmed that runway 21L remained closed temporarily following the incident, but the airport’s remaining runways continued to support general aviation traffic. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been notified and is gathering information about the circumstances of the accident. Official releases from the ATSB are pending, but standard procedure includes reviewing maintenance records, pilot training logs and recorded communications to determine causal factors.

Aircraft Crashes

Student Pilot Survives Fiery Training Aircraft Crash At Parafield Airport In Adelaide

Aviation Today News Desk / January 6, 2026

Adelaide, Australia: A trainee pilot from Adelaide Aviation flight school walked away uninjured after the light aircraft he was flying

Dulles, United States: A United Airlines Boeing 777 bound for Tokyo made an emergency return to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) on Saturday, December 13, after experiencing an engine malfunction shortly after takeoff, officials confirmed. United Flight 803, operating a Boeing 777-200ER with 275 passengers and 15 crew members on board, departed Dulles around midday for Tokyo’s Haneda Airport when one of its engines lost power. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airline spokespersons said the aircraft returned safely to the airport and landed without injury to any person on board. According to the FAA, the flight encountered a power loss in one engine shortly after departure. Visual footage shared on social media and confirmed by officials showed smoke near an airport runway after a part of the engine’s cowling separated and fell to the ground, igniting a patch of dry brush outside the runway perimeter. Fire crews on the ground quickly extinguished the blaze. Airport fire and rescue units inspected the aircraft after it returned, and operations at the affected runway were briefly paused before normal service resumed. United Airlines stated it would place passengers on a replacement aircraft later on Saturday to continue the scheduled flight to Tokyo. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all passengers and crew disembarked safely and praised the crew’s conduct during the incident. The FAA has launched a formal investigation into the engine failure to determine the precise cause and ensure aviation safety protocols are upheld. An airport spokesperson reiterated that the emergency response was swift and effective, highlighting that the fire was contained quickly and no injuries were reported. United Airlines, in its statement, said it is cooperating fully with federal authorities to assess the mechanical issue. The airline also thanked emergency responders and airport personnel for their actions during the event.

Incidents

United 777 Makes Emergency Return To Dulles After Engine Malfunction Post Takeoff

Aviation Today News Desk / December 15, 2025

Dulles, United States: A United Airlines Boeing 777 bound for Tokyo made an emergency return to Washington Dulles International Airport

Incidents

Endeavor Air Regional Jet Skids Off Runway During Winter Storm At Des Moines Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / December 1, 2025

Des Moines, United States: A regional jet operated by Endeavor Air under the Delta Connection brand slid off the runway

Investigation

AAIA Issues Initial Findings On Deadly Emirates 747 Runway Excursion In Hong Kong

Aviation Today News Desk / November 19, 2025

Hong Kong, China: Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) has released its preliminary findings into last month’s fatal runway

Louisville, United States: A UPS wide-body cargo aircraft burst into flames and crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, killing seven people including all three crew members and injuring 11 others on the ground, officials confirmed. The tragedy unfolded around 5:15 p.m. local time (Nov. 4) when UPS Flight 2976, an MD-11 freighter bound for Honolulu, went down shortly after departure. Video captured by local CBS affiliate WLKY showed one of the aircraft’s wings ablaze moments before it plunged to the ground, erupting into a massive fireball. The impact ignited several fires in nearby industrial buildings, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the evening sky. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said four people on the ground were killed and 11 others hospitalized, while Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear warned the toll could rise, noting that some survivors sustained “very significant” injuries. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for residents within a five-mile radius of the airport as crews battled fires late into the night. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff and confirmed debris scattered across two runways. Preliminary findings indicate one of the plane’s three engines may have separated midair before impacting a detail that will be central to the investigation. “That airplane should have flown on two engines,” said aviation safety expert John Cox, calling the blaze “too big for a normal engine fire.” The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation and has dispatched a team to the crash site. The board typically takes 12 to 24 months to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations. FAA records show the 34-year-old MD-11, built by McDonnell Douglas before its merger with Boeing, joined the UPS fleet in 2006. Boeing, which no longer manufactures the model, expressed condolences and said it would provide technical assistance. Flight data from Flightradar24 indicated the jet climbed to 175 feet and reached 184 knots before entering a sharp descent. The aircraft had earlier completed a round trip from Louisville to Baltimore before preparing for its scheduled 8½-hour flight to Honolulu. UPS confirmed all three crew members aboard were killed but said it was still working to verify the extent of ground casualties. In a service alert, UPS said delivery schedules “may be affected” by the closure of the airport, home to the company’s Worldport hub, the largest package-handling facility in the world. “Contingency plans are in place to help ensure shipments reach their destinations as quickly as conditions permit,” the company said. Louisville’s identity is deeply tied to UPS, which employs 26,000 people in the region. “This is a UPS town,” said Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe, whose district includes the airport. “My heart goes out to everybody at UPS. Everyone here knows someone who works there and tonight, some of those texts checking in on loved ones will go unanswered.”

Aircraft Crashes

Probe Underway After UPS Cargo Jet Crashes in Louisville, Killing At Least Seven

Aviation Today News Desk / November 5, 2025

Louisville, United States: A UPS wide-body cargo aircraft burst into flames and crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali

Southwest Airlines Flight had to abort takeoff at Orlando Airport as the crew mistakenly attempted to depart from a taxiway instead of runway | Aviation Today

Incidents, United States

Southwest Crew Aborts Takeoff After Mistaking Taxiway for Runway, FAA Investigates

Aviation Today News Desk / March 22, 2025

Picture credits: Orlando International Airport Florida: Southwest Airlines Flight 3278 was forced to abort takeoff at Orlando International Airport after

Runway

Safarilink Aircraft Veers Off Runway At Wilson Airport, All 39 Onboard Escape Unharmed

SAS A320neo Narrowly Avoids Runway Incident After Taxiway Takeoff Attempt In Brussels

British Airways flight Loses Wheel After Las Vegas Takeoff, Lands Safely In London UK

Republic Day Airspace Closures May Affect 600+ Flights At Delhi IGIA For 6 Days

Student Pilot Survives Fiery Training Aircraft Crash At Parafield Airport In Adelaide

United 777 Makes Emergency Return To Dulles After Engine Malfunction Post Takeoff

Endeavor Air Regional Jet Skids Off Runway During Winter Storm At Des Moines Airport

AAIA Issues Initial Findings On Deadly Emirates 747 Runway Excursion In Hong Kong

Probe Underway After UPS Cargo Jet Crashes in Louisville, Killing At Least Seven

Southwest Crew Aborts Takeoff After Mistaking Taxiway for Runway, FAA Investigates

Follow Us

Quick Links

Navigate

General Support

News Desk Support

Follow Us