SAS Airbus A320neo initiates take-off roll on taxiway at Brussels Airport

On the evening of 5 February 2026, shortly before 22:00 (UTC +1), a SAS Scandinavian Airlines Airbus A320neo, registered SE-ROM, was operating flight SK2590 from Brussels Airport, Belgium, to Copenhagen, Denmark. During departure, a notable incident occurred when the aircraft lined up on a taxiway rather than the assigned runway.

Based on Flightradar24 data and social media posts, Aviation24.be was able to partially reconstruct the sequence of events. The aircraft taxied normally toward runway 07R and made a left turn, but instead entered taxiway E1. It remains unclear whether the error originated with air traffic control, the flight crew, or a combination of both.

Flightradar24 data indicates that the Airbus A320 initiated a take-off roll and reached speeds of up to 107 knots before coming to a safe stop near the C1–E1 intersection.

Images circulating on social media show the 165 passengers being deboarded via buses, assisted by airport fire services and police to provide psychological support. On our question, Brussels Airport confirmed the incident and said: “The departure of SAS flight SK2590 to Copenhagen was interrupted on Wednesday evening after the aircraft was found to be on a taxiway rather than the runway. The flight, scheduled to depart at 21:54, was aborted and all 165 passengers were evacuated without injuries. Federal Police were present to provide psychological assistance on site, while Scandinavian Airlines has since contacted the affected passengers to offer alternative travel arrangements after they were unable to continue their journey that evening.”

Aviation24.be has contacted SAS Scandinavian Airlines for comment. An official spokesperson for Scandinavian Airlines confirmed that the airline is fully cooperating with Belgian aviation authorities in the ongoing investigation. “Safety is our absolute priority. We are currently conducting a thorough internal investigation alongside local authorities to understand the sequence of events.” He added that preliminary information indicates that the incident resulted from a misidentification during taxiing, with the aircraft lining up on a taxiway instead of the assigned runway after receiving takeoff clearance.

Aircraft safety features, such as RAAS (Runway Awareness and Advisory System), which provide enhanced situational awareness to the crew, were not fitted to the aircraft. A RAAS is specifically designed to prevent an incident like this one.

UPDATE

Belgium’s Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) has launched a formal safety investigation into the serious aviation incident in which an aircraft began accelerating on the wrong surface, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Mobility and Transport has confirmed.

According to FPS spokesperson Thomas De Spiegelaere, the investigation aims solely at improving aviation safety, not at assigning administrative, civil or criminal responsibility. Investigators are collecting and analysing radar data, cockpit audio recordings, technical and meteorological information, and witness statements. A final report with conclusions and safety recommendations will be issued to the operator, the Directorate-General for Civil Aviation (DGA) and other relevant authorities.

Air traffic control provider Skeyes has also opened its own internal investigation into how the incident occurred.

Local concern

Steenokkerzeel mayor Kurt Ryon has called for a thorough inquiry, stressing that such an incident must not happen again. He highlighted particular concern for Humelgem, a hamlet located along the extension of the taxiway involved. Pilots consulted by local officials reportedly expressed surprise, noting that even at night the visual distinction between a runway and a taxiway is normally clear.

Narrow margin

Aviation expert Luk De Wilde explained that by the time the error was detected, the aircraft had already reached 200–205 km/h. Once an aircraft reaches V1 speed—typically around 270–280 km/h—it must take off, as stopping is no longer guaranteed. In this case, the aircraft was only 3–4 seconds away from that point.

Had V1 been reached, options would have been extremely limited: the taxiway may have been too short for a safe takeoff, raising the risk of overrunning into obstacles or terrain.

Authorities say no further details can be released while the investigation is ongoing.