Malaysia Airlines MH079 Aborts Takeoff in Hong Kong After Tyre Burst

Malaysia Airlines flight MH079 aborted its takeoff roll at Hong Kong International Airport on May 11, 2026 after a suspected tyre burst during the departure acceleration, forcing the aircraft off the runway and triggering inspections that delayed operations. ([news.rthk.hk](https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1854294-20260511.htm))

Takeoff halted after loud bang and violent vibration

The incident occurred shortly after 9:10 a.m. local time when the Boeing 737-800 performing MH079 was accelerating for departure on the airport south runway. Published coverage describes a loud bang and strong vibrations during the takeoff roll that prompted the crew to reject the takeoff at low speed and bring the aircraft to a stop. ([thestandard.com.hk](https://www.thestandard.com.hk/news/article/331656/Malaysia-Airlines-flight-to-Kuala-Lumpur-forces-emergency-stop-after-suspected-tire-burst-during-takeoff))

After deceleration the aircraft vacated the runway and moved onto a parallel taxiway where emergency teams conducted an inspection. The aircraft was later towed back to the apron for further checks and the flight was cancelled, according to aviation incident reporting. ([news.rthk.hk](https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1854294-20260511.htm))

Runway checks and immediate operational impacts

Publicly available information shows the south runway was temporarily closed while a surface inspection was carried out and to ensure there was no debris or damage that could affect other departures. The runway was reported to have reopened shortly after 10:00 a.m. local time following the inspection. ([news.rthk.hk](https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1854294-20260511.htm))

The closure and the need to shift movements to the centre runway caused knock on effects for departures and arrivals in the morning peak. Published accounts indicate some flights were diverted to the centre runway for takeoffs and passengers on the affected Malaysia Airlines service returned to the terminal while the aircraft was assessed. ([news.rthk.hk](https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1854294-20260511.htm))

Aircraft details, safety protocols and passenger experience

Aviation reporting identifies the aircraft as a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-800 with a specific registration number listed in incident databases. The reject takeoff procedure and subsequent towback followed standard safety protocols for suspected tyre failure during the takeoff roll. ([aeroinside.com](https://www.aeroinside.com/21796/malaysia-b738-at-hong-kong-on-may-11th-2026-rejected-takeoff-due-to-burst-tyre))

No injuries were reported in initial coverage and emergency crews were on scene to inspect the aircraft and runway. Published coverage indicates airport teams arranged for an aircraft tug to move the plane from the runway area to a parking position while engineers carried out additional checks. ([news.rthk.hk](https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1854294-20260511.htm))

Passengers affected by the cancellation were described in reports as being returned to the terminal. Those travelling on subsequent services were likely to experience delays as schedules were adjusted to accommodate the temporary reduction in runway capacity. ([thestandard.com.hk](https://www.thestandard.com.hk/news/article/331656/Malaysia-Airlines-flight-to-Kuala-Lumpur-forces-emergency-stop-after-suspected-tire-burst-during-takeoff))

Wider context and what comes next

The published coverage places this event in the context of routine runway safety management rather than a broader operational crisis. The south runway inspection and the aircraft assessment were carried out quickly and the runway was returned to service within about an hour, limiting disruption relative to more prolonged closures. ([news.rthk.hk](https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1854294-20260511.htm))

Follow up reporting is expected to cover the results of technical inspections, any maintenance actions taken on the aircraft, and whether further schedule adjustments will be necessary. Aviation safety specialists note that tyre failures during the takeoff roll, while alarming, are among the types of incidents that crews train to manage through rejected takeoff procedures and coordinated ground response. ([aeroinside.com](https://www.aeroinside.com/21796/malaysia-b738-at-hong-kong-on-may-11th-2026-rejected-takeoff-due-to-burst-tyre))