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While both flights were navigating the complex taxiways of Dubai airport, they started heading towards runway 30 right. Flight 524 came to a halt to allow a landing aircraft to pass, after which it was granted permission from ATC to cross the runway—a signal that should have indicated its progression toward takeoff.
However, in a shocking turn of events, just as Flight 568 was crossing the runway, Flight 524 took off without authorization. ATC's frantic warning came too late—the pilots only slammed on the brakes a mere 1,500 meters from a potential collision. What could have been the deadliest air disaster in history was narrowly averted when the pilots reacted just in time.