A GOL Linhas Aéreas Boeing 737 MAX 8, preparing for takeoff from Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport on February 11, 2025, collided with a maintenance vehicle on the runway.
The aircraft, operating as flight G3 1674 to Fortaleza, struck the vehicle around 10:00 PM local time. The pilot aborted takeoff immediately, and all 167 passengers and crew disembarked safely.
Audio from air traffic control revealed the pilot’s urgent communication about the collision, confirming the vehicle was on the runway’s centerline. Passenger Átila de Oliveira, a state prosecutor from Ceará, captured the moment on video.
He described the experience as terrifying but fortunate, noting that the plane stopped before reaching the runway’s end. Emergency crews responded quickly, and operations at Galeão resumed shortly after, though the affected runway was temporarily closed for investigation.
The Brazilian Air Force’s Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA) has launched an inquiry into how the vehicle accessed an active runway during takeoff procedures.
Early indications point to potential lapses in coordination between ground operations and air traffic control. This incident adds to a series of similar occurrences in Brazil, including a near-miss at Brasília Airport in 2022 when another vehicle entered an active runway.
GOL Airlines Incident Highlights Operational Safety Concerns
GOL Airlines provided alternative travel arrangements for passengers and emphasized its compliance with safety protocols. However, this event highlights broader concerns about operational safety at Brazilian airports.
Experts are calling for stricter enforcement of ground movement protocols and advanced monitoring systems to prevent unauthorized access to runways. While no injuries occurred, this incident underscores systemic risks.
These risks could have significant consequences for airport stakeholders, including airlines, regulators, and passengers. Strengthening safety measures will be essential to prevent such events from escalating into more severe outcomes.