Incident Overview
On June 27, 2025, around 2:23 p.m. local time, a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 (flight VN7205, reg. VN‑A863) taxiing for takeoff to Ho Chi Minh City struck the vertical stabilizer of a stationary Airbus A321 (flight VN1804, reg. VN‑A338) awaiting departure to Dien Bien. Video captured by a passenger aboard the 787 shows the wing slicing clean through the A321’s tail section.
Damage & Passenger Disruption
- The A321’s tail fin was torn, and the Boeing’s right wingtip also suffered visible damage.
- Debris was scattered across taxiways S and S3, leading to temporary airport traffic delays.
- A total of 386 passengers (259 aboard the 787, 127 on the A321) were unharmed. All were safely evacuated, returned to Terminal T1, and rebooked on alternate aircraft.
Crew Suspensions & Investigation
Vietnam Airlines immediately suspended all four pilots involved (two from each aircraft) pending the outcome of an internal and independent investigation. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) classed it a Level B serious incident—the second-highest severity—triggering runway/taxiway closures and a formal safety probe.
Likely Cause & Safety Measures
- Preliminary findings suggest the A321 was improperly parked, stopped too far forward at the holding point on taxiway S3.
- CAAV has issued a nationwide directive emphasizing stricter compliance with ground safety protocols, including accurate taxiway positioning, clearer communication, and vigilant crew coordination during taxi operations.
Wider Implications
- The unrest underscores that even low-speed ground operations can pose serious risks if standard procedures falter.
- Air traffic controllers and airport ground staff are also under scrutiny as CAAV seeks to reinforce communication clarity and implement enhanced surface movement guidance systems where needed.
Next Steps
- A comprehensive investigation led by CAAV and the independent team is underway.
- Both aircraft remain grounded pending full technical inspections and formal clearance.
- Vietnam Airlines has pledged full cooperation with authorities and committed to updating crew training and ground handling SOPs to reduce future incidents.
