Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 Experiences Severe Tail Strike in Munich

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 aircraft experienced a severe tail strike while taking off from Munich Airport on August 15, 2026. The incident occurred when the plane accelerated to nearly the end of the main runway before lifting off, causing damage to its rear fuselage and tires.

According to publicly available flight tracking data and images shared by aviation enthusiasts, the aircraft rotated late and had a shallow climb-out, resulting in a tail contact with the runway. The crew reportedly received onboard system alerts indicating possible structural contact and tire problems.

The 787 returned to Munich for an emergency landing after circling to reduce weight. Images captured after landing showed visible damage around the tail section and multiple main landing gear tires apparently destroyed or heavily worn.

Vietnam Airlines has been building its European presence, with Munich positioned as a key gateway for both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The incident is likely to tighten capacity on already busy long haul services, and the airline may need to reschedule flights, substitute aircraft, or consolidate services in the weeks ahead.