According to an initial report, the June 27 aircraft collision at Noi Bai International Airport occurred because the Airbus A321 aircraft failed to park at the designated stopping point.

At approximately 2:23 PM on June 27, a ground collision between two aircraft occurred while maneuvering on the taxiway at Noi Bai International Airport.

Flight VN7205, a Boeing 787 registered VN-A863, was taxiing from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City when its right wing scraped the tail fin of a stationary Airbus A321 (VN-A338), operating flight VN1804 from Hanoi to Dien Bien.

Speaking to VietNamNet, Uong Viet Dung, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, confirmed that upon receiving the incident report, the authority immediately instructed relevant units to inspect and submit findings.

According to the Northern Airport Authority, the incident occurred at the intersection of taxiways S3 and S. Initial findings from on-site inspections concluded the following:

The Airbus A321 (VN-A338), scheduled to depart at 1:55 PM for Dien Bien, taxied from stand 29 along taxiways S and S3 and was holding short of runway 11R/29L on taxiway S3 for an intersection take-off.

Simultaneously, the Boeing 787 (VN-A863), scheduled to depart at 2:00 PM for Ho Chi Minh City, was taxiing from stand 55 via taxiways S and S1 toward the holding point for runway 11R/29L on taxiway S1.

The collision occurred as the Boeing 787 reached the intersection of taxiways S and S3, where its right wingtip struck the tail fin of the Airbus A321. Weather conditions at the time were clear with good visibility.

According to the Northern Airport Authority, the preliminary cause of the incident was that the Airbus A321 did not stop at the correct position.

As a result, the Boeing 787 sustained damage to its right wingtip, and the Airbus A321 suffered damage to its vertical stabilizer. Debris from both aircraft was found at the scene.

Both aircraft were removed from service for technical inspection. Flight VN1804 had 127 passengers onboard, while VN7205 carried 259 passengers. All luggage was returned to Terminal 1.

Following the incident, Noi Bai Airport led efforts with relevant units to document the situation, tow the aircraft to safety, and clear taxiways S and S3.

Air traffic control coordinated closely with involved parties to reroute aircraft traffic, ensuring uninterrupted flight operations.

Noi Bai International Airport also conducted environmental checks and cleaning operations to ensure safe conditions on the affected taxiways.

The Boeing 787 (VN-A863) was towed to stand 44, and the Airbus A321 (VN-A338) was moved to stand 76 to disembark passengers.

A Vietnam Airlines representative stated that after the incident, airport units promptly activated emergency procedures to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew. All affected passengers were assisted and rebooked on alternate flights to continue their journeys.

N. Huyen