Two KLM Boeing 737s Collide on Tarmac at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Two Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij (KLM) aircraft were involved in a ground collision on Saturday morning at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). The incident, which involved two Boeing 737s, resulted in no injuries to passengers or crew members aboard either aircraft. The collision occurred on the tarmac when one aircraft, which was being pushed back from its gate, made contact with a second, stationary B737.

Passengers and crew were safely deplaned and escorted back to the terminal. One of the involved aircraft had recently arrived from Birmingham, while the other was preparing for a scheduled departure to Athens. KLM confirmed that it promptly rebooked all affected passengers onto alternative flights, minimizing disruption. The airline stated it is cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the event, which it described as "highly exceptional."

Investigation and Immediate Response

An investigation into the circumstances of the KLM plane collision has been initiated. A spokesperson for the Dutch flag carrier stated, “We are investigating the cause of the incident together with the relevant authorities and will thoroughly inspect the aircraft before they return to service.” The primary investigative body in the Netherlands for such events is the Onderzoeksraad voor Veiligheid (OVV), or Dutch Safety Board, which is responsible for conducting independent safety investigations into aviation incidents.

Standard procedures for tarmac collisions involve a detailed review of ground handling protocols, communication between the flight deck and ground crews, and the actions of the pushback tug operator. Both aircraft will undergo comprehensive structural inspections to assess the extent of the damage before any decision is made regarding their return to service. The investigation will focus on identifying procedural breakdowns or contributing factors that led to the collision.

Operational Context at a Major Hub

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a critical hub for European and international air traffic, ranking as the third-busiest airport in Europe by passenger volume. The high density of aircraft movements on the ground makes adherence to strict safety procedures essential. KLM, as the primary carrier at AMS, operates a significant portion of the airport's daily flights. According to fleet data from January 2026, KLM's mainline fleet consists of 125 aircraft.

The Boeing 737 is a cornerstone of the airline's short- and medium-haul network, with KLM operating several variants including the 737-700, 737-800, and 737-900 models. The efficiency of ground operations, including pushback and taxiing, is vital to maintaining the airline's schedule integrity at its busy hub.

A Recurring Safety Challenge

Aircraft ground collisions, while not common, represent a persistent safety concern within the aviation industry. These events can lead to costly repairs, significant operational delays, and, in rare cases, injuries. This incident is not the first of its kind for the airline at its home base. In February 2019, two KLM widebody aircraft—a Boeing 747-400 and a Boeing 787-9—were also involved in a minor ground collision during pushback operations at Schiphol.

Investigations into such incidents typically scrutinize the established procedures for aircraft pushback and ground movement. The findings often lead to revised training for ground personnel and flight crews or updates to airport-specific operational protocols to mitigate the risk of future occurrences. The focus remains on enhancing situational awareness for all parties involved in aircraft movement on the tarmac.

Why This Matters

This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with complex ground operations at the world's busiest airports. For airlines like KLM, even a minor collision can result in substantial costs from aircraft repairs, flight cancellations, and passenger re-accommodation. The event reinforces the critical importance of stringent safety protocols and clear communication between flight crews and ground handlers to prevent accidents on an increasingly congested tarmac.

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