Beijing, May 2 — China Eastern Airlines apologised after a domestic service from Chengdu to Shanghai made partial contact with a jet bridge while taxiing to the gate following landing. In a post on its Sina Weibo account, the carrier said the aircraft experienced a technical issue during slow taxiing after touchdown. The crew followed procedures and the plane ended up touching the jet bridge briefly.
The airline said all passengers were safe and disembarked in an orderly fashion, with no injuries reported. Authorities and the carrier have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the malfunction.
Reports on social media and coverage in the Global Times said the left wing struck the jet bridge at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, causing some damage. Citing passenger statements carried by Jimu News, a traveller surnamed Liu said the nose of the aircraft appeared to slightly overshoot its stopping point as the plane approached the gate. Passengers described hearing a collision sound, after which the pilots reportedly applied reverse thrust. Video shared by a passenger allegedly shows contact between the left side of the aircraft and the jet bridge.
Passengers remained on board for more than 30 minutes before being allowed to leave via the opposite door. Liu said the airline provided 300 yuan (about USD 44) in compensation to each passenger. The airline reiterated its apology for the disruption.
This article is based on syndicated reports and statements published by the airline and media; the publisher bears no responsibility for the original feed’s accuracy or completeness.
