By Melissa Meehan in Melbourne

One of Australia’s busiest airports has reopened its second runway after it was blocked by a plane damaged during an aborted take-off. 

The Etihad plane bound for Abu Dhabi with just under 300 people on board had to abort its departure at Melbourne Airport on Sunday “for technical reasons”.

Flight EY461 reportedly slammed on the emergency brakes just moments before taking to the air at 6.15pm.

The Aviation Rescue and Firefighting Service was called and deployed firefighting foam as a precaution, a Melbourne Airport statement said.

Due to the damage to the aircraft’s tyres the plane remained on the tarmac on Monday morning but was able to be towed off the runway just after 8am.

It meant flights were disrupted at Melbourne Airport as it operated one runway for all arrivals and departures – on the day many Australians return to work after the festive period.

“While there have been no cancellations at this stage, there have been disruptions to some flights,” a spokesperson told AAP.

“Some flights have departed with less fuel and will need to refuel on the way to their final destination.”

The spokesperson said Etihad has advised the airport it is re-booking passengers on future flights.

Etihad has been contacted by AAP for comment.