Refer China: New Hainan Airlines Flight Returns to Brussels Due to Suspected Cockpit Windshield Crack

Summary: A Hainan Airlines Boeing 787-9 bound for Beijing returned to Brussels after a suspected cockpit windshield crack mid-air. The aircraft landed safely; passengers are being rebooked. The airline cited a mechanical issue.

China-Bound Flight Returns to Brussels After Suspected Windshield Crack Mid-Air

A Hainan Airlines flight originally bound for Beijing was forced to return to Brussels shortly after takeoff due to a suspected crack in the cockpit windshield, sparking concern among passengers.

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Flight HU492, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, had departed Brussels on February 6 at 12:20 p.m. local time, scheduled to arrive in Beijing. Not long into the journey, the aircraft turned back, prompting confusion among travelers onboard. Passengers later shared on social media that they witnessed the aircraft dumping fuel mid-air before landing back in Brussels, a standard safety protocol during emergency returns.

Some travelers initially believed it was a minor delay. "We thought it was a small issue. But after disembarking, we saw the cockpit windshield was cracked," one passenger wrote online. Photos allegedly showing a fractured windshield quickly began circulating on social platforms.

Flight data from VariFlight indicates that HU492 was officially canceled at 3:05 a.m. on February 7. The aircraft, registered as B-1546 and in service for over seven years, landed safely at Brussels Airport at 21:17 Beijing time on February 6.

A customer service representative from Hainan Airlines confirmed to reporters that the flight returned due to a "mechanical failure," though the system did not specify whether it was related to the windshield. The airline has since assured passengers that all were safe, and arrangements are being made to help them reach their destination.

In an official statement, Hainan Airlines expressed regret over the inconvenience:

"The HU492 (Brussels–Beijing) flight on February 6 returned due to a mechanical issue. The crew handled the situation according to standard safety procedures. The flight landed safely, and we are assisting passengers with alternate travel arrangements. We sincerely apologize for the disruption and appreciate passengers' understanding and support."

Experts explain that cockpit windshield cracks, while rare, can be caused by high-speed debris impact, temperature stress, material fatigue, or heating system malfunctions. Fortunately, such windshields are multilayered by design, with outer layers being non-structural. The incident did not compromise flight safety, demonstrating the aircraft's emergency resilience and the crew's effective response.

Source: 华商报