Serious incident declared after plane lands while crew vehicles still on runway

22 Aug 2025 • 4:10 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • An All Nippon Airways (ANA) flight caused a "serious" aviation incident in Japan on Wednesday due to a pilot's communication lapse.
  • The aircraft landed at Wakkanai Airport in Hokkaido while a work vehicle was still on the runway, having entered without proper clearance.
  • The pilot had altered the plane's course shortly before arrival to avoid thunderclouds but failed to inform air traffic control of this change.
  • Japan's transport ministry labelled it a "serious incident", noting it could easily have escalated into an accident.
  • No injuries or damage were reported, and investigations are underway to determine why established safety protocols were not followed.

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