A China Eastern Airlines Airbus A350-900 collided with a passenger boarding bridge in Shanghai, prompting an official investigation.
The incident occurred at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) on May 2, 2026, after the 5.1-year-old A350-900, registered B-324W, arrived as flight MU5406 from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). According to the airline, the aircraft was taxiing slowly toward its assigned gate when a mechanical issue affected its movement, leading to contact with the jet bridge.
China Eastern described the collision as minor and confirmed that all passengers and crew remained safe. Following the incident, the flight crew handled the situation in line with standard procedures, and passengers disembarked in an orderly manner using the unaffected side of the aircraft.
Witnesses said the impact was noticeable inside the cabin, with some describing it as similar to light turbulence. After disembarking, passengers reported visible damage near one wing area and said they heard a loud noise at the moment of contact. The aircraft remained at the stand following the incident for further inspection.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision, including the reported mechanical issue during the taxi. China Eastern said it is cooperating fully with regulators and has apologized to passengers for the disruption.
The incident happened during China’s May Day holiday, one of the busiest travel periods of the year, when airports and airlines handle much higher traffic.