Hong Kong Airlines | Taiwan netizens claim a Vancouver-to-Hong Kong flight was hit by a construction/service vehicle; Hong Kong Airlines denies the collision and clarifies that cabin pressure operation is normal

Recently, a Taiwanese netizen reported that on June 26, while boarding a Hong Kong Airlines flight returning from Vancouver, the aircraft was struck by a ground engineering vehicle before takeoff. After inspection, the flight proceeded as normal, but she and her mother experienced discomfort mid-flight, saying, "I felt like I couldn't breathe air," and "During the flight, I genuinely felt like I was nearing the end, my life flashing before my eyes." She also implied doubts about flight safety. A search of online records shows no information about an aircraft collision at Vancouver Airport that day. Hong Kong Airlines stated that the incident only involved the tow bar coupling fitting, where improper handling by local ground crew during pushback caused the tow bar's safety device to disconnect protectively, with no contact with the aircraft fuselage. Cabin pressure operated normally throughout the flight, and no passengers reported any discomfort during the journey.

According to data, Hong Kong Airlines currently operates one daily HX081 flight departing from Vancouver International Airport at 1:30 AM, returning to Hong Kong. The netizen tagged Hong Kong Airlines on social media, stating that during the early morning of June 26, while flying from Vancouver back to Hong Kong, a collision occurred before takeoff when a ground vehicle struck the aircraft, requiring a full inspection, which delayed takeoff by about an hour. She also said that about 40 minutes into the flight, she felt unable to breathe, turned pale, and "my eyes looked like they were about to pop out." She added, "I genuinely felt like I was nearing the end, my life flashing before my eyes," and her mother also felt unwell.

She did not disclose whether she sought help from the crew or her condition upon arrival in Hong Kong, but mentioned that after returning to Taiwan, she told her family about the incident. Her family questioned whether the cabin air pressure had been checked, leading to "hypoxia," implying doubts about flight safety. She also mentioned that there was a "typhoon" that day, with constant turbulence making her uncomfortable, but Hong Kong Observatory records show no tropical cyclone warnings on June 26, only two yellow rainstorm warnings and one red rainstorm warning.

No records show a collision at Vancouver Airport that day

Additionally, this outlet's online search found no records indicating a collision at Vancouver Airport that day; flight tracking websites show that HX081 on June 26 departed over an hour later than usual.

Hong Kong Airlines stated that on that day, during the pre-departure preparation phase of flight HX081, improper handling by the local airport ground service provider during pushback caused the tow bar's safety device to disconnect protectively, with no contact with the aircraft fuselage, and no injuries occurred.

"This incident only involved the tow bar coupling fitting, and is completely unrelated to the aircraft's main structure or cabin pressurization system. Cabin pressure operated normally throughout the flight, and no passengers reported any discomfort during the journey."

▲ Hong Kong Airlines. (File photo)

Hong Kong Airlines reminds: If feeling unwell, inform the crew "to ensure a worry-free journey"

A Hong Kong Airlines spokesperson emphasized that the airline always prioritizes flight safety and strictly adheres to all safety regulations. The aircraft was thoroughly inspected according to procedures and necessary maintenance was completed, ensuring the aircraft was fully airworthy and operating normally before continuing the journey. The flight was delayed by approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes. Hong Kong Airlines stated that it is actively conducting a comprehensive review with the Vancouver ground service provider to prevent similar errors from recurring.

Hong Kong Airlines also said, "We kindly remind passengers that if you experience any discomfort during the flight, please notify the crew promptly for assistance to ensure a worry-free journey."