Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in the Maldives was reportedly closed for six hours on 2nd December 2011 after the tyres of an Emirates Airline plane burst upon landing.
The Dubai-based airline was performing flight EK-653 from Colombo (Sri Lanka) to Ibrahim Nasir International Airport – otherwise known as Malé International Airport – when the incident occurred.
Two tyres on the Boeing 777-300 burst while landing on runway 36, according to Aviation Herald, leading to a temporarily airport closure, apart from small aircraft with prior approval.
Flights operated by Singapore Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines and Malaysian Airlines were amongst those delayed due to the incident, it was reported.
No passenger or crew injuries were reported and a replacement Airbus A330-200 was dispatched to Male, performing the return flight to Dubai with a total delay of 19.5 hours.
“All passengers disembarked safely from the Boeing 777-300 aircraft and were looked after by ground staff,” an Emirates spokesperson was quoted as saying in a Minivan News report. “Emirates apologise for any inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is always of paramount importance.”