China Eastern Airlines Apologises After Airbus A350 Strikes Jet Bridge at Shanghai Airport

Key facts

• China Eastern Airlines flight MU563 struck a passenger boarding bridge at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport on May 2, 2026.
• The aircraft involved was an Airbus A350-900 widebody, in service for four years and three months.
• The flight carried 248 passengers and originated from Chengdu.
• The airline issued a statement on Sina Weibo apologising for the incident.
• China Eastern attributed the collision to a 'mechanical malfunction' that occurred during slow taxiing.
• The flight crew handled the situation according to established procedures, and passengers disembarked in an orderly manner.
• The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Collision at Hongqiao: What Happened

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, a China Eastern Airlines passenger plane struck a jet bridge upon arrival at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. The aircraft, flight MU563 from Chengdu, was taxiing slowly toward its gate when the collision occurred. Video clips of the incident circulated widely on Chinese social media platforms, prompting a swift response from the airline. China Eastern confirmed that the aircraft hit the passenger boarding bridge (PBB) due to a mechanical malfunction. The airline stated that the collision was minor and that all 248 passengers on board were safe. The flight crew immediately followed established procedures, and passengers disembarked in an orderly manner.

Airline Response and Apology

On Saturday, China Eastern Airlines issued a public apology on its Sina Weibo account, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers. The airline said, 'The cause of this incident is currently under investigation. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience it may have caused to passengers’ travel.' The statement came after several videos of the collision were posted on Chinese social media. China Eastern, based in Shanghai, reiterated that the incident was the result of a mechanical failure. The airline did not provide further details on the nature of the malfunction but assured the public that safety protocols were followed.

Aircraft and Flight Details

According to Trip.com’s flight tracker, the aircraft involved was an Airbus A350-900 widebody that had been in service for four years and three months. The plane departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 1:02 pm on Sunday, carrying 248 passengers. The flight originated from Chengdu and was scheduled to arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao. China Eastern Airlines, one of China's major carriers, operates a large fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The A350-900 is a modern long-haul aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The airline has not disclosed whether the aircraft sustained any damage beyond the collision.

Investigation and Next Steps

China Eastern stated that the cause of the mechanical malfunction is under investigation. The airline has not provided a timeline for the investigation's completion or indicated whether the aircraft will be grounded for inspection. jet bridge collisions, while rare, can result from mechanical issues, human error, or communication failures. The incident comes as China Eastern prepares to launch a new route from Shanghai to Delhi, India, starting November 9. The airline has not indicated whether this incident will affect its operational schedule or expansion plans.

Broader Context and Safety Record

China Eastern Airlines has a generally strong safety record, though it has faced previous incidents. In 2022, the airline was involved in a high-profile crash of a Boeing 737-800 in Guangxi, which resulted in 132 fatalities. That incident led to increased scrutiny of Chinese carriers and prompted a temporary grounding of the 737-800 fleet. Saturday's collision, while minor, underscores the importance of ground safety procedures at busy airports like Shanghai Hongqiao. The airport handles a high volume of domestic and international flights, and ground incidents, though uncommon, can disrupt operations and raise passenger concerns.

What Comes Next

As the investigation proceeds, China Eastern is expected to cooperate with aviation authorities to determine the root cause of the mechanical malfunction. The airline may face questions about its maintenance protocols and the specific systems that failed. Passengers affected by the incident have not reported injuries, but the airline's handling of the situation will be closely watched. The incident also highlights the role of social media in amplifying aviation events in China. Videos of the collision quickly spread on platforms like Sina Weibo, prompting the airline to issue a prompt apology. This transparency may help maintain public trust, but the ultimate test will be the thoroughness of the investigation and any corrective actions taken.

The bottom line

• China Eastern Airlines flight MU563 struck a jet bridge at Shanghai Hongqiao due to a mechanical malfunction; all 248 passengers were safe.
• The aircraft was an Airbus A350-900 that had been in service for four years and three months.
• The airline issued a public apology on Sina Weibo and said the cause is under investigation.
• The incident occurred as the plane taxied slowly toward its gate after arriving from Chengdu.
• China Eastern is preparing to launch a new Shanghai-Delhi route in November, unaffected so far by the collision.
• The event adds to scrutiny of ground safety at Chinese airports, though the airline's overall safety record remains strong.