Created Tuesday, Jan 13th 2026 13:28Z, last updated Friday, Jan 23rd 2026 19:54Z
A World2fly Airbus A330-300, registration EC-OND performing flight
2W-8548 from Holguin (Cuba) to Prague (Czech Republic), was accelerating for takeoff from Holguin when a tyre burst, tyre debris was ingested by the left hand engine which failed and emitted streaks of flames. The crew rejected takeoff and returned the aircraft to the apron.
The airline claimed the takeoff was rejected due to a bird strike.
Passengers as well as the travel agency however reported, one of the tyres burst, debris was ingested by the left hand engine causing damage to the fan blades, the engine caught fire. They are still stuck in Cuba 3 days later.
The travel agency reported they have taken the passengers to hotels, a replacement aircraft was due to arrive on Jan 13th 2026 and is estimated to take the passengers to Prague. The passengers will receive 600 Euros compensation immediately after arrival in Prague directly from the agency so that they don't need to deal with the airline.
A Privilege Style A330-200 registration EC-NZJ has arrived in Holguin and is estimated to resume the flight.
On Jan 23rd 2026 Cuba's DOSO reported the takeoff was rejected after the aircraft experienced significant damage to the left main gear and left hand engine. The occurrence is being investigated.
Passenger photo:
Related Flight:
2W8548,
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