Flight VN34 encountered a technical incident at Munich Airport on August 15. Photo: Supplied
The CAAV is coordinating with Germany’s aircraft accident investigation authority and has requested further information on the incident and the ongoing probe.
According to a report submitted by the CAAV to the Ministry of Construction, flight VN34 was scheduled to operate from Munich International Airport to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.
The aircraft took off at 11:57 am UTC, or 1:57 pm local time and 6:57 pm Vietnam time.
Shortly after takeoff, warnings indicated that the aircraft’s tail had struck the runway and that there was an issue with tire pressure.
The flight crew informed air traffic control and decided to return to Munich Airport for technical checks.
After the aircraft landed, the crew coordinated with air traffic controllers and ground personnel to have all passengers disembark using mobile stairs and be transported safely to the terminal.
The aircraft was subsequently moved to a parking stand for technical inspection and further examination as part of the investigation.
No injuries were reported among the 287 people on board.
Vietnam Airlines said that by Sunday afternoon, all passengers had been provided with alternative travel arrangements on flights operated by the carrier and other airlines.
The airline also continued to assist passengers who wished to adjust their travel plans.
While waiting for replacement flights, passengers were provided with accommodation, meals, transportation and other necessary assistance.
Under Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization, the German aircraft accident investigation authority is responsible for investigating the cause of the incident.
The CAAV said that under Vietnam’s Decree No. 221/2026/ND-CP on the civil aviation authority and aviation safety management, Vietnam’s aircraft accident and serious incident investigation council is responsible for coordinating with and participating in the investigation.
The Vietnamese aviation authority said it is seeking further information from the German side on the incident and the progress of the investigation.
Tense moments aboard flight VN34
Passengers aboard Vietnam Airlines flight VN34 recounted tense moments after the aircraft encountered a technical problem shortly after takeoff.
They said the aircraft appeared to spend longer than usual accelerating along the runway before takeoff. As it began to lift off, they heard a loud noise.
After the plane reached a stable altitude, the captain told passengers that the aircraft had encountered a technical problem and that several procedures would have to be carried out before it could return to Munich Airport.
The mood in the cabin grew tense, but passengers remained seated and followed the crew’s instructions. Some seated near the windows said they saw fuel being jettisoned from both wings while the aircraft remained in a holding pattern.
Nguyen, who was traveling with her family on VN34, later shared her experience on social media, drawing considerable attention.
She said what stood out was not only the time the aircraft spent circling over Munich but also how passengers and crew responded to the tense situation.
When flight attendants instructed passengers to adopt the brace position before landing, the cabin was almost completely silent.
There was no screaming or pushing, and passengers followed the crew’s instructions.
As of Sunday afternoon, Vietnam Airlines had not announced a conclusion on the cause of the incident.
The carrier said it was working with relevant authorities and other parties to inspect the aircraft and determine what happened, reiterating that safety remains its highest priority in flight operations.
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