A Pegasus Airlines Airbus A321neo began its take-off roll in the wrong direction on Frankfurt Airport’s Runway 18 on 20 October, prompting German air traffic controllers to intervene. Flight PC-996, operated by aircraft TC-RDO, was cleared to depart southbound for Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen but turned north towards the opposite Runway 36 direction. The aircraft stopped at low speed and departed normally about seven minutes later.
The aircraft entered Runway 18 via Taxiway S, approximately 1,260 metres from the runway’s designated beginning. After receiving its departure clearance, it turned right instead of lining up for the cleared southerly departure and began accelerating northbound.
DFS controllers identified the developing conflict and instructed the crew to stop. The take-off roll was abandoned at approximately 35 knots, and the A321neo exited the runway via Taxiway M after travelling about 530 metres. It then returned to the holding point at Taxiway S before departing in the correct direction.
No injuries or aircraft damage were reported. DFS confirmed that the safety-relevant occurrence had been referred to the Bundesstelle für Flugunfalluntersuchung for assessment. The available information does not establish why the crew aligned with the opposite runway direction or whether the BFU has opened a formal investigation.