HANOI (VNExpress/Vietnam News): Two Vietnam Airlines planes collided while taxiing at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport on Thursday afternoon, grounding both aircraft and forcing hundreds of passengers to rebook.
At around 2:23pm on Thursday (June 27), a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered as VN-A863, was taxiing to the runway for its flight to Ho Chi Minh City when its right wingtip clipped the tail of an Airbus A321, registered as VN-A338.
The A321 was stationary, waiting to depart for Dien Bien, according to the Northern Airports Authority.
Weather conditions at the time were clear with good visibility. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam is working with relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the incident.
The collision occurred at the intersection of taxiways S3 and S. Visible damage to the Boeing’s wingtip and a tear in the vertical stabilizer of the Airbus were reported. Debris from both aircraft was scattered on the tarmac.
Both planes were immediately grounded for technical inspection. No injuries were reported among the 259 passengers on the Ho Chi Minh City flight or the 127 passengers bound for Dien Bien.
All travelers and their luggage were returned to Terminal T1, where Vietnam Airlines arranged alternative flights. - VNExpress/Vietnam News
