Overview
- Etihad flight EY343 to Abu Dhabi returned to the stand in Chennai on Tuesday before takeoff after pilots flagged a technical problem.
- Etihad said there was no fire on board, countering early reports that cited smoke or flames near the left wing.
- Airport fire and rescue teams deployed as a precaution under Chennai safety rules, and all roughly 280 passengers were deboarded without injuries.
- The airline expects the departure to run about three hours late as checks continue and customer teams assist affected travelers.
- Engineers are inspecting the aircraft, with some outlets reporting a hydraulic leak and an Aircraft on Ground status that means the plane cannot fly until fixed.