Why Did an SAS A320neo Attempt Takeoff on a Brussels Airport Taxiway?

A serious aviation safety incident unfolded at Brussels Airport (BRU) on Thursday evening, February 5, 2026. An SAS Scandinavian Airlines Airbus A320neo attempted to take off from a parallel taxiway instead of its assigned runway. The aircraft, operating as flight SK-2590 to Copenhagen (CPH), accelerated significantly before the crew realized the error and initiated an emergency stop.

Incident Details and Immediate Response

The Airbus A320neo, registered as SE-ROM, was cleared for departure from Runway 07R. Instead of continuing to the runway, the flight crew turned onto an adjacent taxiway, reportedly designated E1 or V1. The pilots then began their takeoff roll on this incorrect strip of pavement. Flight tracking data indicates the jet reached a maximum ground speed of approximately 107 knots (123 mph).

At this high speed, the crew performed an emergency rejected takeoff (RTO). The aircraft came to a safe stop on the taxiway. Passengers and crew were unharmed, with no injuries reported during the sudden, high-force braking maneuver. The flight was immediately canceled following the incident.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

The Airbus A320neo was immediately taken out of service and grounded. This action allows maintenance teams to conduct a thorough inspection of the aircraft. A primary focus will be on the braking system, which would have been subjected to extreme heat and stress during the high-speed abort.

SAS confirmed the incident and stated that safety is their absolute priority. The airline is fully cooperating with Belgian aviation authorities in the subsequent investigation. This type of event is classified as a runway incursion, a serious safety risk. The incident raises questions about crew situational awareness and cockpit cross-checking procedures, particularly at night. Weather conditions at the time were reported as good, suggesting environmental factors were not a primary cause.

• The Belgian authorities will investigate the sequence of events leading to the error.
• The focus includes pilot actions, airport signage, and air traffic control (ATC) communications.

Industry Impact and Regulatory Oversight

Incidents of aircraft attempting takeoff from a taxiway are rare but highlight critical safety vulnerabilities. Such events can lead to catastrophic accidents, especially if the taxiway is occupied by another aircraft or if the takeoff is not aborted in time. The short length of a taxiway is insufficient for a safe takeoff roll, particularly for a fully loaded jet.

European aviation safety standards, overseen by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), place a strong emphasis on preventing runway incursions. The investigation's findings will likely lead to safety recommendations for Scandinavian Airlines and potentially for Brussels Airport's ground operations. The goal is to reinforce crew resource management (CRM) and improve airport visual aids. The aviation industry constantly reviews procedures to mitigate risks associated with ground operations and pilot-ATC communication.

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