On Feb 17th 2026, an easyJet Airbus A321-200N, registration G-UZMD, rejected its takeoff roll at Milan Malpensa after an animal entered the runway.
Flight U2-8304 was accelerating for departure from runway 35R enroute to London Gatwick when the crew aborted the takeoff at approximately 90 knots over ground. The aircraft decelerated safely and vacated the runway.
Passengers later reported that the captain announced an animal had been crossing the runway. Subsequent remarks from crew members indicated the animal was a stag that had strayed onto the active runway.
After clearing the runway, the aircraft waited for about 15 minutes while the situation was assessed. The A321neo then taxied back to the holding position for runway 35R and departed approximately 25 minutes after the rejected takeoff. The flight continued to London Gatwick, arriving with a delay of about 20 minutes.
Rejected takeoffs below decision speed are a routine safety response when hazards such as wildlife incursions are observed. Airports maintain wildlife management programs, but occasional runway crossings—particularly by larger animals—can still occur, requiring immediate pilot action.
In this case, the crew’s prompt rejection ensured a safe outcome, turning what could have been a serious hazard into a brief delay.
