China Airlines plane gets stuck after wheels sink into damaged runway at Bangkok airport

A China Airlines Boeing 737-800 became stuck at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport when its main landing gear sank into a damaged runway while preparing for takeoff from Bangkok to Kaohsiung.

The incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, 28 Oct, near the threshold of runway 02R. The aircraft could not move and was later moved to parking stand 502 for inspection.

All 116 passengers and eight crew members spent the night in Bangkok after being evacuated from the aircraft. The airline provided meals and arranged accommodation for those on the flight.

Bangkok’s aviation authorities and the Ministry of Transport began an investigation into the runway damage, with a temporary repair completed and further assessment to determine if more extensive work is required. Five airlines reportedly experienced delays as air traffic was adjusted to other runways, with services returning to normal after movements were re-sequenced.