On Feb 5th, 2026, a SAS Scandinavian Airlines Airbus A320-200N, registration SE-ROM, operating flight SK-2590 from Brussels (Belgium) to Copenhagen (Denmark) with 165 people on board, was involved in a serious ground incident during departure preparations at Brussels Airport.
The aircraft had been taxiing via the outer taxiway and was cleared for takeoff from runway 07R. However, instead of lining up on the runway, the crew inadvertently entered the parallel taxiway E1, stopping short of the runway threshold, and initiated the takeoff roll on the taxiway. The aircraft accelerated along taxiways E1–F2–V1, reaching a ground speed of about 100 knots.
Realizing the error, the crew rejected the takeoff at high speed, bringing the aircraft to a stop at the intersection of taxiways V1 and C1, just before the taxiway narrowed and only a short distance from the airport’s fuel tank area. The rejected takeoff prevented the aircraft from overrunning the taxiway.
Emergency services responded immediately. Passengers disembarked directly onto the taxiway and were transported by bus back to the terminal. No injuries were reported. The flight was cancelled, and passengers were rebooked onto other services.
Brussels Airport confirmed that the aircraft had begun its takeoff on a parallel taxiway instead of the runway. An investigation has been opened into the incident, and SAS stated it is fully cooperating with authorities as the circumstances leading to the runway misidentification are examined.
The event highlights how runway and taxiway confusion, particularly at night or in complex airport layouts, can escalate rapidly into high-risk situations, making crew vigilance and airport safeguards critical during ground operations.
