TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A China Airlines flight landed on the wrong runway upon arrival at Busan, South Korea, on Thursday.
The incident gained attention through former pilot and Taiwanese aerospace YouTuber James Wang (王天傑), per CNA. During a livestream, Wang said that China Airlines flight CI186, arriving at Gimhae International Airport from Taoyuan, was slated to land on runway 18L but instead landed on 18R.
Executive Director of the Taiwan Transportation Safety Board Lin Pei-da (林沛達) confirmed to CNA that China Airlines had filed a report. Since the mishap occurred in South Korea, it has territorial jurisdiction based on international investigation protocols.
The TTSB has contacted Korean authorities and will assist if South Korea launches an investigation. If the country chooses not to open a case, the TTSB will assume responsibility and initiate a probe.
Taiwan's flag carrier said the plane did not comply with air traffic control instructions when landing. The airline has initiated an internal investigation to determine the exact cause of the mistake.
The return flight CI187 to Taoyuan, originally scheduled for Thursday, was canceled. China Airlines said the flight has been rescheduled for Friday due to the airport’s nighttime curfew.
The airline said it had arranged accommodations and meals for affected passengers and apologized for the inconvenience, while also thanking them for their understanding.