According to Tan Son Nhat Airport Operations Center, flight VJ1149, operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, encountered the incident while landing on runway 25R at 5:31 PM.

The cockpit crew, consisting of captain T.Đ.Th.V and first officer N.L.A, noted light rain at the time of approach but assessed conditions as safe for landing. Runway lights were functioning normally, and the aircraft touched down smoothly within the designated touchdown zone.

However, shortly after touchdown and activation of the reverse thrust system, the aircraft encountered a sudden downpour that led to hydroplaning - when water buildup prevents the tires from making contact with the runway surface.

As a result, the aircraft's right main landing gear veered off the runway centerline. The crew was able to taxi the plane to parking stand 93 without further complications.

At 6:55 PM, Vietjet mechanics discovered two torn right rear tires, with soil and grass clinging to the wheels and gear struts - indicating the aircraft had likely rolled off the runway centerline and hit an edge light. The operations chief immediately alerted the runway management team to inspect the site.

The inspection confirmed one northern runway edge light (R2.20 near point P3) was broken, with visible traces of grass flattened along the edge. At 7:10 PM, runway 25R was temporarily closed for cleaning and safety checks. The area was cleared and reopened for operations by 7:45 PM.

Notably, the flight crew did not report any anomalies to air traffic control during approach and landing.

Responding to VietNamNet on May 9, a Vietjet Air spokesperson confirmed that sudden crosswind changes during heavy rain and strong gusts at Tan Son Nhat created unfavorable conditions for a normal landing.

“The VJ1149 flight landed safely as per protocol, under the skilled control of the flight crew,” the airline stated. “After safely disembarking passengers at the terminal, aircraft inspections were conducted swiftly without affecting airport operations.”

The airline emphasized that the crew handled the situation professionally, following standard procedures and ensuring passenger safety under challenging weather conditions.

Vietjet also confirmed that a report was submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam and that it is cooperating with authorities to investigate the cause of the incident.

N. Huyen