A British Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was grounded at London Heathrow Airport on October 21, 2025, after being struck by a service vehicle during pre-departure checks. The aircraft was preparing to operate flight BA33 to Kuala Lumpur.
Service Van Causes Unexpected Damage
According to reports, a Thales service van used for inflight entertainment maintenance rolled forward after the driver failed to apply the handbrake properly. The vehicle became lodged beneath the aircraft’s fuselage, forcing an immediate halt to operations.
Emergency Response and Flight Cancellation
Emergency teams and airport staff quickly reached the scene to inspect possible structural damage. As a safety precaution, British Airways cancelled the flight and grounded the seven-year-old aircraft for a detailed technical examination.
Passengers Delayed But Safe
All passengers were safely deplaned and rebooked on alternate flights. FlightRadar24 data shows a delay of nearly 24 hours, with the rescheduled flight departing around 3 PM on October 22. No injuries were reported among passengers, crew, or ground staff.
Dreamliner Fleet Faces Ongoing Challenges
The incident adds to British Airways’ continuing struggles with its Dreamliner fleet. Earlier in 2025, the airline suspended routes to Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Dallas Fort Worth due to engine issues and maintenance delays.
Supply Chain and Operational Setbacks
Shortages of spare parts linked to global supply chain disruptions have worsened the situation. These delays have affected flight schedules and increased maintenance downtime across the airline’s long-haul network.
Safety Concerns Over Ground Operations
This is not the first time an aircraft has suffered ground collision damage. In 2024, an Emirates A380 in Moscow was grounded after being struck by a catering truck. At Heathrow, where airside traffic is dense, such incidents highlight the need for tighter safety checks and vehicle control to prevent costly disruptions.
