SAS Airbus A320neo Aborts Takeoff After Pilots Mistake Taxiway at Brussels?

A SAS Scandinavian Airlines flight narrowly avoided a serious runway safety incident at Brussels Airport (BRU).

The crew of an Airbus A320neo mistakenly began a takeoff roll on a taxiway. This happened instead of using the designated parallel runway.

High-Speed Rejected Takeoff

The incident involved flight SK2590, scheduled for Copenhagen, Denmark. It occurred on the evening of February 5, 2026. The aircraft, registered SE-ROM, was cleared for Runway 07R. However, the flight crew lined up on Taxiway E1, a parallel taxiway, instead.

The Airbus A320neo accelerated rapidly down the incorrect surface. It reached a ground speed of approximately 107 knots (123 mph).

At this point, the pilots realized their ground navigation error. They immediately performed a high-speed rejected takeoff. The abrupt stop brought the aircraft to a halt. It stopped near a taxiway intersection. Reports indicate the jet was close to the airport's fuel storage area.

There were 165 passengers and crew members on board. All occupants were safely evacuated onto the taxiway. They were then bused back to the terminal. No injuries were reported from the incident.

Safety Investigation Launched

This event is classified as a serious near-miss. The aircraft was immediately grounded for technical inspection. Engineers must check the braking system. The high-energy stop likely caused extreme brake heat.

Belgium’s Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) has launched an official aviation safety investigation. The goal is to determine the root cause. Investigators will examine factors like cockpit resource management (CRM). They will also look at airport lighting and signage. The AAIU will also review Air Traffic Control (ATC) tapes.

SAS Scandinavian Airlines confirmed the incident. The airline stated that safety is its absolute priority. They pledged full cooperation with the investigators. The flight was canceled, and passengers were rebooked.

Focus on Runway Incursion Prevention

Incidents of pilots attempting taxiway takeoff are rare but serious. They highlight the ongoing challenge of runway incursion prevention. The industry focuses heavily on surface safety. Systems like Runway Awareness and Advisory System (RAAS) are designed to prevent such errors. The investigation will likely review if such systems were active. It will also look at the role of human factors. These include fatigue and situational awareness. The findings are expected to lead to new safety recommendations. These recommendations will aim to improve airport surface movement procedures across Europe. This is a critical focus for the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

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