BREAKING UPDATE: KLM Boeing 737s Collide at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport- What Happened to Flights from Birmingham in UK and Athens in Greece?

On the morning of Saturday, February 21, 2026, a ground collision occurred at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), involving two Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The collision, which took place at approximately 8:30 AM local time, disrupted flight operations at one of Europe’s busiest airports and led to flight delays, though fortunately, no passengers or crew members were injured.

What Happened?

The incident took place in the D-pier apron area of the airport, a zone typically used for aircraft parking, taxiing, and pushback procedures. According to aviation reports, Flight KL1040, which had just arrived from Birmingham (BHX) and was stationary at its gate, was involved in a collision with Flight KL1953. The Athens-bound aircraft was being pushed backward from its gate when it struck the stationary aircraft from Birmingham.

The collision caused damage to the rudder of the Athens-bound Boeing 737, although the damage was limited to the exterior of the aircraft. Fortunately, the impact did not cause any structural damage that would compromise the safety of the aircraft, and the collision occurred while both planes were on the ground.

Where Did It Happen?

The ground collision occurred at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of the busiest airports in Europe. Known for its high traffic volume, the airport serves as a major hub for international flights and is frequently used by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the carrier involved in this incident. The D-pier apron, where the incident took place, is typically used for aircraft arriving, departing, and taxiing on the ground.

When Did It Happen?

The collision occurred on the morning of Saturday, February 21, 2026, at approximately 8:30 AM local time. This time frame coincided with peak operations at the airport, as many international flights were either arriving or preparing to depart.

Why Did It Happen?

While the exact cause of the collision is still under investigation by KLM and relevant aviation authorities, it appears that the incident was the result of an operational misstep during pushback procedures. Ground collisions, also known as “ramp rash,” are relatively rare but can occur at busy airports during taxiing or pushback. These incidents are typically the result of miscommunications, misjudgments, or coordination errors on the part of ground crews or pilots.

KLM, along with relevant authorities, is conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the collision to prevent similar incidents in the future. The airline has already begun its internal review to assess the effectiveness of its ground handling procedures and safety protocols.

What Was the Aftermath?

Passenger and Crew Safety
Despite the severity of the collision, there were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew members on either of the two KLM Boeing 737 aircraft involved. Following the incident, standard safety protocols were immediately followed, and passengers were safely deplaned and escorted back to the terminal. Emergency procedures ensured that everyone on board both planes was accounted for and safely removed from the aircraft.

Flight Delays
As a result of the incident, Flight KL1953, the Athens-bound flight, was delayed for approximately 3.5 hours. KLM promptly rebooked the affected passengers onto an alternative flight, which departed on a replacement Boeing 737. The airline acted swiftly to minimize the disruption caused by the collision, ensuring that travelers were not stranded for extended periods.

Aircraft Inspections and Repairs
Both of the involved aircraft were towed to a hangar for thorough inspections. The damaged rudder on Flight KL1953 was assessed, and necessary repairs were made before the plane was cleared for further operations. The ground collision has prompted KLM to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident, and the airline is working closely with aviation authorities to determine the cause and implement any necessary changes to its ground procedures.

How Did the Situation Unfold?

Following the collision, the immediate priority was to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members. Ground crew at Schiphol Airport followed established safety protocols, and the affected passengers were rebooked on alternative flights as soon as possible. The replacement flight to Athens departed later in the day, and the situation was resolved without any major issues.

KLM also took steps to ensure that both aircraft underwent thorough inspections before returning to service. The airline’s handling of the situation demonstrated an efficient response to the incident, and there was no disruption to other flights at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport as a result of the ground collision.

Conclusion

The February 21, 2026, ground collision at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, involving two KLM Boeing 737-800s, serves as a reminder of the challenges airports and airlines face during busy operations. While ground collisions are rare, they do occur from time to time at major international airports. Thankfully, the incident did not result in any injuries, and KLM acted swiftly to ensure that the affected passengers were rebooked on replacement flights. The airline is now focused on investigating the root cause of the collision and taking corrective actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Image: KLM Boeing 737

The post BREAKING UPDATE: KLM Boeing 737s Collide at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport- What Happened to Flights from Birmingham in UK and Athens in Greece? appeared first on Travel And Tour World.