Melbourne Airport said firefighting foam was used as a precaution and the runway was left blocked.

”Due to damage to the aircraft’s tyres, we have been unable to tow it off the runway,” the airport said.

“Repairs are currently underway. All passengers have disembarked the aircraft and have been bussed to the terminal.

“We continue to have one runway available for operations, which will be used for all arrivals and departures. Disruptions to other flights have been minimal.”

The airport website showed three cancelled arrivals and three departures between 7pm and midnight but there was nothing to indicate the disruptions were linked to the emergency stop.

A passenger on the flight, EY461 to Abu Dhabi, told 3AW Drive host Jacqui Felgate the plane had to “slam on the emergency breaks while attempting to takeoff”.

“Apparently landing gear caught fire and reportedly two tyres have burst,” they said, in a text shared by the Nine journalist on Instagram.

“Surrounded by firetrucks and now disembarking on the runway.”

Etihad said the flight crew decided to halt the takeoff for “technical reasons”.

“The aircraft was safely brought to a stop on the runway and emergency services attended as a precaution,” the airline said.

“Guests have been disembarked safely and our teams are working to enable them to continue their onward journeys as quickly as possible.

“Etihad Airways sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused. The safety and comfort of our guests and crew remain our highest priority.”

Etihad said applying foam to the tyres was “a routine precaution following a high-speed rejected take-off”.