MALE, Maldives – December 4, 2025 – A Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft was substantially damaged this morning at Velana International Airport (MLE) in the Maldives after a ground services fuel truck reportedly collided with a plane while it was parked. The incident occurred shortly after the flight’s arrival, leading to the immediate grounding of the aircraft and the cancellation of its subsequent flight leg.
Post-Arrival Collision
The ground collision happened at approximately 08:50 local Male time today, while the aircraft was stationed on the apron for routine ground handling, including preparation for refueling.
The involved aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 (registered as A6-FMM), had just completed flight FZ1025 from Dubai International Airport (DXB). Initial reports suggest the damage was inflicted to the winglet when the fuel truck made contact with the parked aircraft during maneuvering.
Flight to Colombo Cancelled
Due to the damage sustained, the aircraft was immediately rendered Aircraft on Ground (AOG) for inspection and repairs. This forced the cancellation of the next scheduled sector for the aircraft, the flight from Male to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Maldives is expected to launch a formal investigation into the circumstances of the collision to determine the precise cause, focusing on adherence to ground handling and apron safety procedures.
