HCMC – Two Vietnam Airlines aircraft collided on a taxiway at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport yesterday afternoon as they were preparing for take-off, according to aviation authorities. No injuries were reported.
The incident occurred at 2:23 p.m. on June 27 between an Airbus A321 on rapid exit taxiway S3 and a Boeing 787 on taxiway S at the airport.
At the time, the Airbus A321, operating flight VN1804 from Hanoi to Dien Bien, was stationary on taxiway S3 near the holding point of runway 11R/29L. Meanwhile, the Boeing 787, operating flight VN7205 from Hanoi to HCMC, was taxiing toward the holding point on taxiway S1 to enter runway 11R/29L.
As the Boeing 787 approached the intersection, its right wingtip struck the vertical stabilizer (tail fin) of the Airbus A321.
The collision resulted in visible damage to both aircraft: the Boeing 787 sustained damage to its right wingtip, while the vertical stabilizer of the Airbus A321 was also impacted. Debris from both planes was found at the scene.
Both aircraft were subsequently towed to the apron and taken out of service for technical inspection.
Flight VN1804 was carrying 127 passengers, and flight VN7205 had 259 passengers on board. All passengers and their luggage were safely returned to Terminal 1. No injuries were reported among passengers on either aircraft.
Weather conditions at the time were dry, with good lighting and visibility. According to a preliminary assessment by the Northern Airports Authority, the Airbus A321 had stopped short of the designated holding point on taxiway S3.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam said it has established an investigation team to determine the cause of the incident.
