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Thai Airways drama at Melbourne
Melbourne Airport was shut down for nearly two hours today as a Thai Airways jet shredded a tyre on landing. Thai Airways Flight 981 from Bangkok, an Airbus A340, was brought to a halt at 11.59 on the intersection between the two runways at Australia’s second-busiest airport.
A strong crosswind was blowing. It is believed up to 12 planes were diverted to Avalon and Adelaide airports.
Leaking hydraulic fluid caused a small fire in the undercarriage and this was extinguished by the ASA fire crews.
The THAI aircraft was the new A340-600 airbus carrying 253 passengers and crew. According to Sue Marr, Marketing Manager Thai Airlines, there were no reported injuries and all on board were transferred by bus safely to the airport terminal.
“Our Melbourne office has sent staff to the airport to assist with passengers due to depart on TG982 this afternoon. As this flight will be delayed, pax will be transferred to other flights where possible.”
The aircraft has now been towed to a hanger and baggage/cargo is now being unloaded. Baggage will be forwarded on to passengers.
Report by Graham Muldoon
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