Vietnam Airlines Jet Returns to Munich After Tail Strike Warning
A Hanoi-bound Vietnam Airlines flight returned to Munich Airport on 15 August after warnings indicated that the aircraft’s tail had contacted the runway and tyre pressure was low shortly after take-off. The Boeing 787 remained airborne for more than two hours to burn fuel before landing safely back in Munich. All 271 passengers and 16 crew members were safe, with no injuries reported.
What Happened on the Munich–Hanoi Flight
- Airline: Vietnam Airlines
- Route: Munich to Hanoi
- Flight: VN34
- Date: 15 August 2026
- Aircraft: Boeing 787
- People on board: 271 passengers and 16 crew
- Airport impact: Munich’s north runway was temporarily closed after the aircraft returned
- Investigation: German authorities are leading the inquiry, with Vietnamese aviation officials assisting
Vietnam Airlines initially said the aircraft had returned because of a technical issue. Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority later said cockpit warnings showed contact between the tail and runway as well as low tyre pressure during departure. Flightradar24 reported that the aircraft had gone beyond the runway during take-off. After landing, the Boeing 787 could not leave Munich’s north runway under its own power, forcing the airport to temporarily close it.
By the afternoon of 16 August, all passengers affected by VN34 had been offered alternative itineraries on Vietnam Airlines flights or services operated by other carriers. The airline also provided accommodation, meals and ground transport while people waited to continue their journeys. Passengers who needed to change their plans were being assisted individually rather than waiting for the aircraft involved in the incident to return to service.
The investigation now centres on what happened during take-off and the condition of the aircraft. German investigators are leading the case, with Vietnamese officials participating under international aviation rules. The immediate disruption was confined to VN34 and Munich’s north runway after the aircraft returned. At this stage, the available updates do not point to changes to Vietnam Airlines’ wider Munich schedule.
