Vietnam and Germany probe Vietnam Airlines VN34 incident

Vietnam and German aviation authorities are investigating the Vietnam Airlines VN34 incident in Munich after the Hanoi-bound Boeing 787-9 returned safely shortly after take-off.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam says it is coordinating with Germany's aircraft accident investigation bodies and has asked for continuing updates on the inquiry. Under international aviation rules, Germany leads the investigation because the event took place there.

Warnings after departure

Vietnam Airlines says VN34 left Munich for Hanoi at 1.57pm local time on 16 August. Soon afterwards, automated warnings indicated possible tyre-pressure problems and a potential tail strike on the runway.

The crew notified air traffic control and returned to Munich for a technical inspection. All 271 passengers and 16 crew members left the aircraft safely and were taken back to the terminal.

Flights rearranged

The aircraft has been moved to a designated parking area for inspection and assessment. Vietnam Airlines said it had arranged onward travel by the afternoon using its own services and partner carriers.

The inquiry will establish what triggered the warnings and whether any operational or technical factors require further action.

What it means for foreigners in Vietnam

Passengers travelling between Europe and Vietnam should continue to check airline notifications, especially when making tight onward connections. The safe return and rebooking arrangements are reassuring, but disruption can still affect arrival times, baggage and missed domestic flights.

Travel insurance, flexible hotel bookings and allowing a buffer before important appointments remain sensible for long-haul journeys into Vietnam.

17 August 2026