Shocking Collision Leads to Extensive Delays

In a startling incident over the weekend, a shuttle bus at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) collided with a Boeing 737 MAX, leading to an extensive delay for the Shandong Airlines flight heading to Jinan, China. The collision, which occurred during routine operations, resulted in a whopping seven-hour setback for passengers.

Dramatic Footage of the Incident

A dramatic video shared on Douyin, the Chinese video-sharing platform, showcases the moment the bus—a zero-emission model, part of the airport's initiative to reduce diesel vehicles—took a hit at the wingtip of the aircraft, causing the plane’s wing to visibly bounce up and down. Observers noted that the words "Shandong Airlines" were clearly visible on the aircraft in the footage.

Extent of Damage and Delays

According to the user's commentary accompanying the video, the damaged wing required extensive repairs that delayed the flight even further. "The wing was broken. We had to wait for repairs during the day, and it wasn’t fixed until midnight. Do you dare to get on this plane?" the user wrote, echoing the growing concern among travelers regarding safety.

Details of the Flight

This incident caused Shandong Airlines flight SC1152, originally scheduled to depart at 2:10 PM on November 10, to finally take off at 10:08 PM local time, according to FlightRadar24 data. The aircraft involved, a Boeing 737-8 (MAX 8) with the registration B-224R, is relatively new, having been delivered to Shandong Airlines only in March 2024.

Previous Incidents at the Airport

Interestingly, this is not the first instance of mishaps involving aircraft and ground vehicles at Hong Kong International Airport. Earlier this year, there were reports of accidents that stressed the importance of operational safety at the bustling airport.

Comparative Incidents

This incident bears resemblance to another at Chicago O’Hare International Airport in October 2022, where a flight operated by American Eagle collided with a shuttle bus during taxiing, resulting in injuries to two passengers. Such occurrences raise critical concerns about the need for rigorous safety protocols in airport operations, given how frequently these incidents seem to unfold.

Call for Improved Safety Protocols

Experts continue to emphasize that awareness and caution are crucial for anyone working in or around airport environments. With hundreds of incidents reported annually, airline and airport authorities must implement more stringent safety measures to prevent such alarming situations.

Stay Tuned for Updates!

Stay tuned for more updates on this story as it unfolds! Who knows what other surprises the world of aviation may hold?