A Boeing 787 Dreamliner sliced through an Airbus A321’s tail on a Vietnam airport tarmac, causing significant damage and prompting the immediate suspension of four pilots as investigators classify the incident as a severe safety breach.
Key Takeaways
- A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner’s wingtip collided with a parked Airbus A321’s vertical stabilizer at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, causing severe damage
- All four pilots from both aircraft have been suspended pending investigation, with early findings suggesting improper parking of the Airbus A321
- No injuries were reported among the 386 passengers, who were rebooked on alternate flights while both aircraft remain grounded
- The incident has been classified as Level B, the second highest on a five-tier safety breach scale, occurring during what is being called one of the deadliest years for air travel
Dramatic Collision Damages Two Aircraft at Vietnam Airport
A shocking collision between two Vietnam Airlines aircraft at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport has raised serious concerns about airport ground safety protocols. The incident occurred Friday when a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner’s right wingtip struck an Airbus A321’s vertical stabilizer while taxiing toward the runway, essentially slicing off the Airbus’s tail fin. The impact scattered debris across the tarmac, forcing immediate cleanup operations to prevent further safety hazards and delays at the busy international airport.
“Two Vietnam Airlines collided after a Boeing aircraft cut too close to an Airbus, slicing its tail on the airport tarmac,” according to VN Express.
Swift Response from Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines took immediate action following the collision, suspending all four pilots involved in the incident pending a comprehensive investigation. The airline’s prompt response demonstrates its commitment to safety protocols and accountability, particularly given the severity of the damage. The incident, which occurred around 2 p.m. local time, has been classified as Level B on Vietnam’s aviation safety scale, indicating a serious breach that requires thorough examination. This classification, the second highest on a five-tier scale, underscores the gravity with which aviation authorities are treating the collision.
“Vietnam Airlines said it suspended the four pilots, two from each flight crew, from Friday afternoon pending the results of an internal investigation,” stated Vietnam Airlines.
Preliminary findings suggest the Airbus A321 may not have been properly positioned on taxiway S3, potentially contributing to the collision. Despite the dramatic nature of the accident, no injuries were reported among the 386 passengers aboard both aircraft. Vietnam Airlines quickly arranged alternative flights for affected passengers, minimizing disruption while both damaged aircraft were grounded for thorough technical inspections. The airline’s efficient handling of passenger accommodations prevented what could have been significant travel chaos.
Investigation and Industry Implications
An independent investigative team, working alongside the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), has been assembled to determine the exact cause of the collision. The investigation will likely focus on communication between ground control and pilots, taxiway procedures, and whether proper clearances were obtained. This incident occurs against a troubling backdrop, as 2025 has already been identified as one of the deadliest years for air travel in the past decade, with fatality rates almost double the average of previous years.
“Vietnam Airlines said it is fully cooperating with aviation authorities to determine accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future,” stated Vietnam Airlines.
While the airline has been cooperative with authorities, they have yet to issue a public statement addressing the incident directly. The collision raises important questions about aircraft ground movements at busy international airports and the enforcement of safety protocols. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance in all aspects of aviation operations, from pre-flight checks to communication between flight crews and ground controllers. President Trump’s administration has consistently advocated for enhanced aviation safety standards, making this incident relevant to ongoing discussions about international air travel safety.
