Chennai: An Etihad Airways flight scheduled to operate from Chennai to Abu Dhabi was cancelled on Tuesday after a technical issue involving a hydraulic leakage forced the aircraft engineering team to declare the aircraft “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG), according to sources.

The affected flight, carrying around 280 passengers, was operated using an Airbus A320 aircraft bearing registration A6-EIT.

Officials said the issue was detected before take-off, following which the aircraft was prevented from departing as a precautionary safety measure.

Passengers safely deboarded

Following the detection of the technical fault, passengers onboard the aircraft were safely deboarded and the aircraft was subsequently towed back to the parking stand for further inspection and maintenance work.

Airport authorities and airline officials stated that all standard safety procedures were followed during the process.

Officials clarified that there was no emergency diversion, fire incident or passenger injury associated with the technical issue.

Passengers reportedly remained at the airport while airline staff coordinated alternative arrangements and further updates regarding the cancelled service.

Initial reports mentioned possible fire

Earlier reports circulating shortly after the incident had suggested that a fire was noticed near the aircraft’s left wing while the flight was preparing for departure.

Some reports also claimed that airport fire and rescue services responded immediately and brought the situation under control before the flight was cancelled.

However, officials later clarified that the primary issue involved a hydraulic leakage detected during pre-departure procedures and that no confirmed fire incident had occurred.

Authorities stressed that the aircraft was grounded purely as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger and operational safety.

Technical checks underway

Engineering teams are currently conducting detailed inspections and technical assessments of the aircraft to determine the exact cause of the hydraulic leakage.

In aviation operations, an “Aircraft on Ground” or AOG declaration indicates that an aircraft is grounded due to technical or safety-related reasons and cannot operate until necessary repairs or inspections are completed.

Airline officials have not yet announced when the aircraft will return to service.

Experts note that hydraulic systems are critical components in commercial aircraft as they control various operational mechanisms including landing gear, braking systems and flight control surfaces.

Any suspected fault involving hydraulic systems generally requires immediate inspection and corrective action before the aircraft can be cleared for operation.

Airline safety procedures highlighted

Aviation experts said the incident reflects the importance of preventive safety checks and engineering protocols carried out before aircraft departure.

Commercial airlines routinely conduct extensive technical checks before take-off to identify mechanical irregularities and avoid operational risks during flight.

Officials stated that prompt detection of the issue prevented any potential in-flight complications and ensured passenger safety.

Airport emergency response teams also remained on standby during the incident as part of standard aviation safety protocols.

Passengers await further arrangements

Several passengers were reportedly inconvenienced due to the cancellation and subsequent delays in onward travel plans.

Airline representatives were coordinating with affected travellers regarding rescheduling, alternate flights and other assistance measures.

The incident briefly drew attention at Chennai airport after early reports about a possible fire circulated on social media, though authorities later clarified the situation.

No injuries or safety threats to passengers or crew members were reported during the incident.

Further updates regarding the aircraft inspection and revised flight arrangements are awaited from the airline.