Planes Collide During Taxiing at Noi Bai Airport
Vietnam Airlines has suspended four pilots following a shocking incident where two of its aircraft collided at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport on 28 June 2025. The accident occurred at around 2pm when a Boeing 787, preparing for takeoff to Ho Chi Minh City, clipped an Airbus A321 parked on the tarmac, which was scheduled to depart for Dien Bien. The collision, which took place during the taxiing process, caused immediate alarm among airport staff and passengers but fortunately resulted in no injuries.
A video shared online captured the dramatic aftermath, showing the Boeing 787’s right wing slicing across the vertical stabiliser of the stationary Airbus A321. Scattered debris from both planes was clearly visible on the tarmac, sparking concerns about airport safety protocols and aircraft ground handling practices.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the parked Airbus was not correctly positioned on the runway apron, which contributed to the collision. This revelation raises serious questions about the adherence to standard operating procedures by ground crew and flight staff involved in positioning aircraft at the busy Hanoi airport.
Replacement Planes Deployed for Stranded Passengers
Vietnam Airlines acted swiftly by deploying replacement aircraft to ensure that the 386 passengers affected by the collision could continue their journeys. According to reports from VN Express and New York Post, the airline coordinated closely with airport authorities to minimise delays and inconvenience for travellers.
The airline issued a statement confirming that while no injuries were recorded, the collision caused significant damage to both aircraft, which will require extensive repairs. Passengers were understandably rattled by the experience but expressed relief that the situation did not escalate into a more serious accident.
Vietnam Airlines also confirmed that the pilots of both aircraft involved have been suspended pending a full investigation. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, together with an independent team hired by the airline, will carry out a thorough probe to determine the exact cause of the mishap and establish accountability.
Aviation Experts Call for Enhanced Safety Measures
Aviation safety experts have pointed out that while tarmac collisions are rare, they can have severe consequences and are often preventable with stricter adherence to ground control protocols. They emphasised that clear communication between pilots and ground staff is essential, especially in congested airports like Noi Bai.
Industry observers note that the incident could serve as a wake-up call for airlines operating in the region to re-evaluate their ground safety training and parking procedures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
The outcome of the investigation will likely set a precedent for how such cases are handled going forward, and many will be watching closely to see if further disciplinary action or regulatory changes are implemented in Vietnam’s aviation industry.