Vietnam Airlines jet returns to Munich after tail strikes runway

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 aircraft bound for Hanoi was forced to return to Munich Airport on August 15, 2026, after its tail struck the runway during takeoff, prompting a circling procedure to dump fuel before making a safe landing. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.

The incident occurred with flight VN34 as it departed Munich International Airport. Video footage and data from the flight-tracking service Flightradar24 indicated the aircraft's tail hit the runway during the takeoff roll, producing a cloud of dust. The plane continued into the air and circled above the Munich area at approximately 9,000 feet for over two hours, a standard procedure to burn off fuel and reduce weight before an emergency landing. Flightradar24 data showed the aircraft dumping fuel during this time.

After returning to the airport, the aircraft was unable to taxi off the runway under its own power. This forced the closure of the north runway, which Munich Airport confirmed on its website, leading to potential disruptions to air traffic as flights were rerouted.

Vietnam Airlines stated in a statement that the flight crew followed all required procedures and landed the plane...