China Eastern A350 Strikes Jet Bridge at Shanghai Airport; Airline Blames Mechanical Failure

Key facts

• Flight MU563 from Chengdu struck a jet bridge at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport on Saturday.
• The aircraft was an Airbus A350-900 widebody that had been in service for four years and three months.
• All 248 passengers on board were safe and disembarked in an orderly manner.
• China Eastern Airlines stated that a mechanical malfunction occurred as the plane taxied slowly toward the gate.
• The airline issued a public apology on Sina Weibo and said the cause is under investigation.
• Videos of the incident circulated on Chinese social media on Saturday.
• China Eastern will launch a Shanghai-Delhi route starting November 9.

Collision at Hongqiao

A China Eastern Airlines Airbus A350-900 struck a passenger boarding bridge at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport on Saturday, prompting an apology from the carrier and an investigation into what it described as a mechanical failure. The incident occurred as flight MU563, arriving from Chengdu with 248 passengers, was taxiing slowly toward its assigned gate. Video footage posted on Chinese social media showed the aircraft's wing making contact with the jet bridge, a structure used to connect the terminal to the plane.

Airline Response and Passenger Safety

China Eastern said the collision was minor and that all passengers were safe. The flight crew followed established procedures, and passengers disembarked in an orderly manner, the airline stated. In a statement posted on its Sina Weibo account on Saturday, the Shanghai-based carrier expressed its apologies: “The cause of this incident is currently under investigation. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience it may have caused to passengers’ travel.”

Mechanical Malfunction Cited

The airline attributed the collision to a mechanical malfunction that occurred as the aircraft was maneuvering near the gate. It did not provide further details on the nature of the malfunction. The aircraft involved, an Airbus A350-900 widebody, had been in service for four years and three months.’s flight tracker. The A350 is one of the most advanced long-haul aircraft in service, known for its composite airframe and fuel-efficient engines.

Social Media and Public Attention

Videos of the collision spread rapidly on Chinese social media platforms on Saturday, drawing widespread attention. The incident comes at a time when aviation safety remains under heightened scrutiny in China, following a series of high-profile incidents in recent years. China Eastern’s swift public apology and commitment to an investigation reflect the airline’s awareness of the reputational stakes involved.

Wider Context and Upcoming Routes

The collision occurred as China Eastern prepares to expand its international network. Starting November 9, the airline will launch a new route connecting Shanghai to Delhi, India, marking a step in the post-pandemic recovery of Chinese aviation. while ground collisions are rare, they underscore the importance of rigorous maintenance and operational protocols, particularly as air travel rebounds.

Investigation Underway

China Eastern said the cause of the incident is under investigation. No timeline for the probe’s completion has been announced. The airline has not disclosed whether the aircraft sustained damage beyond the visible contact with the jet bridge, or whether the bridge itself was damaged. Ground operations at Hongqiao International Airport continued normally following the incident.

The bottom line

• China Eastern Airlines flight MU563 struck a jet bridge at Shanghai Hongqiao due to a mechanical malfunction, the airline says.
• All 248 passengers were unharmed and disembarked safely after the crew followed standard procedures.
• The incident was captured on video and widely shared on Chinese social media, amplifying public attention.
• The aircraft, an Airbus A350-900, was four years and three months old at the time of the collision.
• China Eastern has launched an investigation and apologized publicly for the disruption.
• The airline is set to begin a new Shanghai-Delhi route on November 9, signaling continued network expansion.