A China Eastern Airlines aircraft collided with a passenger boarding bridge while taxiing after landing at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, damaging part of the bridge and triggering panic among passengers, according to Mirror Online.
The incident occurred on Saturday, May 2, when the Airbus A350-900 was moving slowly toward its designated gate after touchdown.
Dramatic footage from the scene showed the aircraft’s wing striking the boarding bridge, causing a large section of the structure to partially collapse. Reports from passengers indicated the plane appeared to hit the bridge, reverse, and then make contact again moments later.
Travellers on board described hearing a loud noise during the collision, with some comparing the impact to sudden turbulence.
According to reports, the aircraft’s left wing, including its Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engine, was affected in the collision.
China Eastern Airlines confirmed that all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated through the unaffected side of the aircraft, with no injuries reported.
The airline apologised for the disruption, attributing the incident to a mechanical issue that affected the aircraft’s movement during taxiing.
A spokesperson said the five-year-old aircraft sustained visible damage near the wing area, while each passenger was offered compensation of 300 Chinese yuan (about £33).
The collision occurred during China’s busy May Day holiday travel period, when airports across the country experience heavy passenger traffic.
Aviation safety regulators have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident, including whether it resulted from mechanical failure, pilot error, or a malfunction in the airport’s guidance system.
The aircraft has since been grounded for detailed technical inspections as authorities review operational procedures surrounding the incident……See More
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