Iberia Airbus A350 Damaged During Water Salute in Ecuador, Aircraft Grounded After Airport Incident
Iberia Airbus A350
An Airbus A350-900 operated by Iberia was forced to cancel its flight and undergo technical inspection after a ground accident during a ceremonial water salute at an airport in Ecuador. The incident occurred at José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport while the aircraft was preparing for departure to Madrid.
The aircraft involved was part of Iberia’s long-haul fleet and was being temporarily deployed on the Guayaquil–Madrid route as a special substitution for its usual aircraft type. To mark the introduction of the Airbus A350 on this route, airport authorities arranged a traditional aviation water cannon salute. This practice is commonly used in the airline industry to celebrate special events such as inaugural flights, new aircraft deployments, or retirements.
A water salute typically involves two airport fire trucks spraying arcs of water over a taxiing aircraft as it passes underneath. While it is considered a symbolic and celebratory gesture, it requires precise coordination between ground vehicles and the aircraft.
In this case, however, the celebration reportedly went wrong. As the Airbus A350 began taxiing for departure, it moved under the water arch created by two fire trucks positioned on either side of the taxiway. During the maneuver, one of the fire trucks was believed to be positioned too close to the aircraft’s path.
As the aircraft continued forward, the wingtip of the A350 allegedly made contact with the extended water cannon arm of the fire truck. This resulted in visible damage to the wingtip of the aircraft, including a deep scrape or groove. The impact forced the flight crew to immediately stop the taxi procedure and return the aircraft to the terminal for inspection.
Following the incident, the scheduled flight to Madrid was cancelled. Engineers and maintenance teams were called in to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether the aircraft could be safely returned to service or required more extensive repairs. Such inspections are critical for modern composite aircraft like the A350, where even minor structural damage must be carefully evaluated.
Passengers on board reportedly witnessed the unexpected collision, and photos and videos taken by aviation enthusiasts at the airport perimeter quickly circulated. The situation caused surprise among both passengers and airport personnel, as water cannon salutes are normally considered safe when properly executed.
Aviation experts note that while water salutes are a long-standing tradition, they are not without risk. Large aircraft such as the Airbus A350 require significant clearance, especially around the wings, which extend far beyond the main fuselage. Any miscalculation in positioning fire trucks or misjudgment in taxi speed can lead to accidental contact.
This is not the first time a water salute has caused complications in aviation. Similar incidents in the past have resulted in minor aircraft damage or unintended system activations due to the force of water pressure.
Authorities in Ecuador are expected to review the incident to determine whether procedural errors or positioning mistakes led to the collision. Meanwhile, the grounded aircraft remains under technical inspection, and Iberia may adjust its operational procedures for future ceremonial events.
The incident serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned airport traditions require strict safety coordination, especially when dealing with modern wide-body aircraft.
