Plane crashes into airport passenger bridge as tourists hear terrifying noise

A plane crashed into a passenger bridge while landing at a major airport in China , with terrified tourists describing a loud noise on impact. Dramatic footage captured the moment the plane - operated by China Eastern Airlines - was seen taxiing slowly towards the assigned gate before the wing smashed into the boarding bridge , causing a large section to fall off. Images showed a half collapsed bridge moments after the aircraft touched down at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport on Saturday, May 2. The Airbus A350-900 was seen hitting the bridge before reversing and striking it again. Passengers reported a number of impacts, saying that after an initial collision, the aircraft reversed and then moved forwards again, hitting the structure a second time as a loud noise rang out. Travellers also described an impact sensation similar to turbulence. According to reports, a high-value Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engine on the left wing was directly impacted. China Eastern Airlines confirmed that all passengers and crew disembarked safely via the unaffected side of the aircraft, and the carrier later issued a formal apology for the disruption. A spokesperson for the airline said the incident was a result of a mechanical issue that affected the aircraft's movement during the taxiing phase. They described the aircraft, which entered service around five years ago, as having only sustained visible damage near the wing. China Eastern Airlines confirmed that all passengers and crew remained safe, and each passenger was offered compensation of £33 (CNY 300). The collision happened during the peak of China's May Day holiday, one of the year's busiest periods for domestic air travel. Aviation safety authorities have launched an official investigation to determine if the collision was caused by technical failure, human error, or an issue with the airport's electronic guidance system. The plane remains grounded for comprehensive technical inspections, with regulators looking closely at what procedures were adopted during its arrival.