Takeoff Aborted in Basel: Mallorca Flight Sparks Cabin Panic

At Basel's EuroAirport, a takeoff was aborted when an EasyJet pilot braked sharply after another aircraft crossed the runway. Passengers report screams and fear, and the plane later landed in Palma with a delay.

Takeoff Aborted in Basel: Chaos Just Before Liftoff

In the early Monday morning at Basel's EuroAirport, what should have been a routine flight to Palma de Mallorca ended in a hectic incident. Just after the aircraft rolled onto the runway, the pilot applied full braking. Passengers still report a lingering uneasy feeling and a loud din on board.

"It was like a jolt – then everyone started shouting"

One of the passengers by the window recalls: "The aircraft accelerated, then suddenly this jolt and the smell of hot brakes. A murmur ran through the cabin, someone started shouting, a child cried." Voices mixed with nervous laughter; some pulled out their mobile phones to text family. A cockpit announcement, calm and brief, reassured many: they were told to return to the stand on instruction from air traffic control.

EasyJet later confirmed that the takeoff was aborted because another aircraft was on the same runway. The crew responded promptly on instruction from the tower. "The safety of the passengers was never at risk," the statement said. Nevertheless, passengers and ground staff felt the tense mood long after the incident.

Delay and a relieved departure

After the tower had clarified the situation, a new takeoff clearance followed. This time everything went normally: the A320 lifted off without further problems and landed about an hour later in Palma de Mallorca. Annoying for vacationers with tight connections, but better than taking a risk – many on board agreed.

On the side: some travelers spoke of friendly ground staff at Gate B3 (as per the map in a passenger's head) offering water bottles. Small detail, big impact – such gestures stay with you when the rest of the atmosphere is tense.

How safe is flying – really?

A scenario like this reminds us that behind the scenes many people and systems work to ensure a flight can start safely. Mistakes can happen, but clear instructions from the tower and quick actions by the crew are exactly what count in such moments. For those affected, the memory remains of an unnecessarily frightening moment – and for most a small detour in the travel plan.

If you were affected and have questions: The airline usually offers information and support on board and at the destination airport.