MUNICH — A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was forced to enter a holding pattern shortly after departure from Munich Airport following an unusually late takeoff rotation that kicked up clouds of dust near the end of the runway.
Flight VN34 departed Munich (MUC) bound for Hanoi (HAN) at 13:45 CEST. The long-haul aircraft, registered as VN-A867, rolled down runway 26L for takeoff, but ground footage captured the widebody lifting off dangerously close to the runway threshold. As the main gear finally separated from the asphalt, a visible plume of dust was kicked up, signaling that the aircraft used virtually the entire available runway length to achieve lift.
Initial reports indicate that the aircraft may have struck equipment at the end of the runway, potentially damaging runway lighting units and sustaining damage to its own landing gear or fuselage.
Following the near-runway excursion during takeoff, the flight crew halted the climb at 9,000 feet and entered a holding pattern near Munich.
- Weight Reduction: Fully fueled for a long-haul intercontinental flight to Southeast Asia, the Dreamliner exceeds its maximum landing weight. The aircraft is circling to burn off excess fuel to ensure a safe landing.
- Precautionary Inspection: Holding in place also grants the flight crew and ground staff time to assess potential damage to the landing gear, tires, or tail structure before attempting a return.
Local aviation authorities and airport operations have not yet released an official statement regarding the cause of the delayed rotation. Potential factors under review for late departure incidents typically include weight and balance miscalculations, environmental conditions, or performance setting errors.
UDPATE #1
Emergency services at Munich Airport remain on standby for the aircraft’s planned return.
UPDATE #2
The flight is back on approach to MUC.
UPDATE #3
Flypast inspection over runway 26R: a hole appears to have been spotted near the tail and the horizontal stabilizer.
UPDATE #4
Second flypast over runway 26R.
UPDATE #5
Touch down on runway 26R.
UDPATE #6
ARFF are rushing to the aircraft.
UPDATE #7
We have confirmation the flight #VN34 safely landed on runway 26R at MUC. The Boeing 787-9 vacated the runway but some tires blown up on landing. Currently being inspected on taxiway.
