China Eastern Flight's Near Miss at Amsterdam Schiphol: A Wind Shear Incident

By Ivan PetrenkoJan 18, 2024 01:30 AMNews
Share:
China eastern airliner on airfield
China eastern airliner on airfield. Source: unsplash

A tense moment unfolded at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) when a China Eastern Airlines Boeing 777-300ER, arriving from Shanghai, was forced into a go-around maneuver on January 15th. This decision, made during a crucial phase of landing on runway 27, was attributed to a sudden loss of stability, likely due to wind shear conditions.

Turbulent Approach and Safe Landing

Flight MU771, which originated from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), experienced almost 12 hours of flight time before facing the challenging landing situation. The Boeing 777-300ER, recorded by Flightradar24, had left Shanghai at 12:15 and was scheduled to land in Amsterdam. However, the pilots had to execute a go-around – an uncommon yet crucial procedure for ensuring flight safety. This maneuver resulted in a delay, but the aircraft successfully landed 10 minutes later at 17:08. Subsequently, the return flight to Shanghai was also delayed, departing at 13:48 instead of the scheduled 11:30.

The Go-Around Procedure Explained

A go-around is a vital safety protocol in aviation, involving an aborted landing attempt. It can be initiated either before or after the aircraft's wheels make contact with the runway. Various factors, such as wind shear or runway obstructions, can necessitate this action. During a go-around, pilots apply full thrust, retract the landing gear, and adjust the flaps while coordinating with air traffic control. Statistically, go-arounds are rare, occurring in approximately three out of every 1,000 approaches.

China Eastern's Fleet and Operations

The aircraft involved, registered as B-2022, was delivered to China Eastern Airlines in July 2015. It has a capacity of 316 passengers, featuring a three-class layout. China Eastern, with a fleet of 20 Boeing 777-300ERs, utilizes these aircraft for various routes, including destinations like Paris, Los Angeles, Singapore, and Chengdu. Alongside the 777-300ERs, their widebody fleet includes Boeing 787s, Airbus A330-200s, A330-300s, and A350-900s.

China Eastern's service between Shanghai and Amsterdam, operating once daily, competes with KLM's daily service on the same route. The latter, however, experiences longer flight times due to the current inability to fly over Russian airspace.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM