Vietnam Airlines Flight Returns to Munich After Tail Strike

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner bound for Hanoi returned to Munich Airport on August 15, 2026, following a series of technical failures during takeoff. The flight crew reported that the aircraft's speed stalled or decreased twice during the takeoff roll on runway 26L. Despite these anomalies, the pilots continued the takeoff, which resulted in a tail strike and the bursting of four main landing-gear tires.

After becoming airborne, the crew received warnings regarding the tail strike and tire pressure. The aircraft circled the Munich area for over two hours at approximately 9,000 feet to burn off fuel before landing safely on runway 26R. Upon arrival, the plane was unable to taxi off the northern runway under its own power, forcing airport authorities to close the runway and reroute traffic to the south runway. Passengers were evacuated using slides with the fire brigade present.

All 287 people on board were safe. The aircraft remains grounded at Munich Airport for technical assessment. The German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam are coordinating to determine the cause of the incident.