A China Airlines plane became stuck at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after its main landing gear sank into the runway while preparing to take off on Wednesday (28 Oct) evening.
The 116 passengers and eight crew members aboard the plane involved had to spend the night in Bangkok.
The incident also affected flights from five airlines.
Thailand’s Ministry of Transport is investigating what caused the runway surface to give way.
According to Thaiger, the Boeing 737-800 was operating flight CI840 from Bangkok to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, when the incident occurred.
At around 7.20pm, its main landing gear sank into the surface near the threshold of runway 02R as the aircraft was preparing for departure, leaving it unable to move.
Source: Outsider’s Aviation on Facebook
Photos shared online showed the aircraft stationary with its wheels embedded in the damaged surface.
The plane was later moved to parking stand 502 for inspection.
According to Bangkok Post, China Airlines confirmed that damage to the airport’s runway impacted the flight.
Subsequently, 116 passengers and eight crew members were affected.
Passengers were evacuated from the aircraft and taken by bus to accommodation arranged by the airline.
Source: Outsider’s Aviation on Facebook
Meanwhile, an inspection found the aircraft to be safe, the airline added.
The flight was rescheduled for the following day, with the airline citing both the runway incident and Kaohsiung Airport’s night-time operating restrictions.
The airline also provided passengers with meals while they waited.
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat said five airlines experienced delays following the incident, including China Airlines, Thai Airways, and VietJet.
Source: Outsider’s Aviation on Facebook
Aeronautical Radio of Thailand and Airports of Thailand subsequently rearranged flight movements and directed aircraft to other runways.
After the affected flights were handled, authorities said there were no further delays, Matichon reported.
All three runways later returned to normal operation.
The damaged section of runway has since undergone temporary repairs.
However, officials are assessing whether more extensive work is needed and how long the repairs could take.
Authorities are examining several possible reasons for the damaged runway, including maintenance and engineering issues.
Recent flooding in areas around Bangkok is also among the factors being considered.
The transport ministry said technical teams would complete an assessment before announcing the cause and any measures needed to prevent a recurrence.
Also read: Scoot Plane Loses A Wheel While Landing In Taipei, Flight To S’pore Cancelled
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Featured image adapted from Outsider’s Aviation on Facebook.