AMSTERDAM – Operations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport faced a minor disruption Saturday morning, February 21, after two KLM Boeing 737 aircraft collided during a ground maneuver on the apron.
The incident occurred while one aircraft was being pushed back from its gate, resulting in a physical “fender bender” with a stationary plane nearby. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
The Details of the Incident
According to airport officials and KLM statements, the collision involved two specific flights:
- Arrival: A KLM flight that had recently touched down from Birmingham.
- Departure: A KLM Boeing 737 scheduled to depart for Athens.
The stationary aircraft was reportedly waiting on the tarmac when the second plane, while being pushed backward by a tug, made contact. The impact caused visible damage to the tail of one of the aircraft, grounding both of them for immediate safety inspections.
Passenger Impact
While the collision was low-speed, protocol required both aircraft to be taken out of service.
- Evacuation: Passengers and crew were safely deplaned and transported back to the terminal.
- Rebooking: KLM ground staff worked throughout the morning to rebook the Athens-bound travelers on alternative flights.
- Investigation: The Dutch Safety Board and airport authorities have launched a routine investigation to determine how the ground crew and cockpit communication lapsed during the pushback process.
The apron area at Schiphol is one of the busiest in Europe, and investigators will likely look into whether poor visibility, mechanical failure of the tug, or human error played a role in the Saturday morning mishap.
