Operations for an Iberia Airbus A350-900 were suspended on June 5 at José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Ecuador. The aircraft, which was operating a temporary service to Madrid, sustained damage to its wingtip after making contact with a ground fire vehicle during a ceremonial water cannon salute.
The incident occurred as the aircraft taxied between two fire trucks intended to create an arch of water. Reports indicate the vehicle on the left side of the taxiway was positioned too close to the flight path. The contact forced the crew to abort the departure of flight IB-132, leaving the aircraft grounded while engineering teams assess the structural integrity of the wingtip device.
This event highlights the risks inherent in ground-based PR maneuvers. For the A350-900, which relies heavily on composite materials, even surface-level damage requires rigorous inspection protocols before the aircraft can return to service. As airports and airlines continue these traditions, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for precise coordination between ground services and flight crews. Local authorities in Ecuador are currently reviewing the incident to identify procedural failures.