Vietnam Airlines Flight Returns to Munich After Tail Strike

A Vietnam Airlines flight bound for Hanoi, Vietnam, was forced to return to Munich Airport shortly after takeoff on August 15, 2026, due to a tail strike incident.

The Boeing 787-9 aircraft, operating as flight VN-34, was departing from Munich, Germany, when its tail reportedly struck the runway. The incident occurred during takeoff, with footage showing a large plume of dust as the aircraft lifted off. The plane then circled above Munich for approximately two hours, dumping fuel before making a safe landing back at the airport.

According to an aircraft engineer who shared footage and observations, the aircraft sustained significant damage. Claims suggest the "whole tail strike module is gone," along with "punctured tyres" and a "puncture through the lower fuselage, with torn composite and heavy scrape marks running aft." The exact cause of the incident remains under investigation, though a brake seizure or internal fault has been suggested as a possibility.

Vietnam Airlines confirmed the aircraft returned to its departure airport due to a "technical issue." The airline stated that the flight crew followed all procedures and that passengers and cabin crew members were safe. The aircraft is currently undergoing inspection, and the airline is cooperating with relevant authorities.

The return of the flight caused disruption at Munich Airport, as the disabled aircraft was unable to taxi off the north runway under its own power. This forced the closure of the runway, and air traffic was rerouted via the south runway.