Iberia A350 Wingtip Strikes Fire Truck During Water Salute

An Iberia Airbus A350 sustained damage to its left wingtip after striking a fire truck during a ceremonial water salute at José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE). The incident occurred as the aircraft was preparing for departure, taxiing to the runway with two fire trucks positioned on each side of the taxiway.

The flight reportedly marked the first departure of the Iberia A350 aircraft type from Guayaquil Airport. Personnel had arranged the traditional water cannon salute to commemorate the occasion, a ceremonial gesture commonly performed for first flights, retirement services, and other significant aviation milestones.

Video footage circulating on social media shows the widebody jet approaching two fire trucks positioned on either side of the taxiway. As the aircraft passed between them, the left wingtip made contact with one of the emergency vehicles. The collision damaged the winglet, with visible pieces breaking away, photographs and video shows the damage to the left winglet.

The Airbus A350 involved in the incident carries the registration EC-NXD, according to reports from aviation outlets covering the event. No injuries were reported among passengers, crew, or ground personnel. 

Iberia confirmed the incident and stated that the aircraft would undergo inspection and repairs before returning to service. The airline has not yet released a detailed statement regarding the cause of the contact or how it intends to handle the disruption to the Madrid-bound flight.

What Happened During the Water Salute

Water salutes involve airport fire trucks positioned on either side of an aircraft's path, spraying arcs of water over the fuselage as the plane taxis underneath. The ceremony requires careful positioning of the vehicles to ensure adequate clearance for the aircraft's wingspan.

The Airbus A350-900, the variant operated by Iberia on long-haul routes, has a wingspan of approximately 64.75 meters (212 feet). Ground crews coordinating such ceremonies must account for this dimension when placing emergency vehicles along the taxiway.

In this case, the spacing between the two fire trucks proved insufficient. The aircraft's left winglet struck the truck on that side, causing visible damage to both the plane and the vehicle. The incident raises questions about ground coordination procedures at the airport, particularly for ceremonial events involving widebody aircraft.

Impact on Iberia's Operations

Repairs to Airbus A350 winglets typically require specialized maintenance work. The composite structure of modern wingtips means that even relatively minor impacts can necessitate detailed inspections and the replacement of damaged components. The aircraft will remain out of service while technicians assess the damage and complete any required repairs.

Iberia operates a fleet of Airbus A350-900 aircraft across its long-haul network, connecting Madrid with destinations throughout the Americas and Asia. Depending on the extent of the damage, the temporary removal of the aircraft from service could require short-term fleet and scheduling adjustments.

Aviation Safety Considerations

While water salutes remain a popular tradition in commercial aviation, they require strict adherence to safety protocols. Airports typically conduct briefings with fire crews before such events, specifying exact positioning for vehicles relative to the aircraft's path.

Incidents involving water salutes are uncommon but not unprecedented. Previous events at other airports have resulted in minor damage when ground vehicles were positioned too close to taxiing aircraft. This incident may prompt reviews of ceremonial procedures at airports that host widebody operations.

Authorities have not announced a formal investigation into the incident, though Iberia and airport officials will likely conduct internal reviews to determine the contributing factors. The damaged aircraft remains grounded pending assessment and repair work.