Key Takeaways
• On May 28, 2025, Georgian Airlines Boeing 767 nearly landed on runway 24L, still under construction, at Xi’an Xianyang Airport.
• Air traffic controllers ordered a go-around, preventing accident; plane then safely landed on authorized runway 23L.
• Chinese Civil Aviation Authority launched investigation; no injuries or damage reported from the incident.
On May 28, 2025, a Georgian Airlines Boeing 767-300ER cargo plane came dangerously close to landing on a runway still under construction at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport in China. Thanks to quick action by air traffic controllers, the crew avoided a serious mistake and landed safely on the correct runway. This incident, while ending without injury or damage, has raised important questions about airport safety, pilot training, and the risks that come with airport construction projects. Here’s a detailed look at what happened, why it matters, and what it could mean for travelers, airlines, and airport workers in the future.
What Happened at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport?
A Georgian Airlines Boeing 767, operating as flight GH1180 from Tbilisi International Airport to Xi’an, was cleared to land on runway 23L at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport. However, as the plane approached, the crew mistakenly lined up with runway 24L—a runway that was still being built and not open for use. Air traffic controllers at the airport noticed the error and quickly told the pilots to “go around,” which means to stop the landing and fly back up for another approach. The pilots followed instructions, climbed away from the unfinished runway, and then landed safely on the correct runway.
Key Details of the Incident
- Date: May 28, 2025
- Aircraft: Boeing 767-300ER freighter, registration 4L-GMC
- Airline: Georgian Airlines, a cargo airline based in Tbilisi, Georgia 🇬🇪
- Flight: GH1180, from Tbilisi International Airport to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
- Runways Involved: Cleared for runway 23L (active); mistakenly aligned with runway 24L (under construction)
- Outcome: No injuries, no damage, safe landing after go-around
Why Did This Happen?
Airports with multiple runways—especially those under construction—can be confusing for pilots, especially if they are not familiar with the airport’s layout. In this case, the Boeing 767 crew may have been confused by the presence of two parallel runways, one of which was not yet open. The unfinished runway may have looked similar to the active one from the air, especially if construction markings or lighting were not clear enough. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, such incidents highlight the need for clear signs, proper lighting, and up-to-date information for pilots, especially at airports undergoing changes.
How Air Traffic Control Prevented Disaster
Air traffic controllers at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport played a critical role in preventing a serious accident. They noticed that the Georgian Airlines Boeing 767 was not lined up with the correct runway and immediately told the pilots to abort the landing. The pilots responded quickly, performed a go-around, and then landed safely on the correct runway. This quick action shows the importance of strong communication between pilots and air traffic controllers, especially in complex or changing airport environments.
Official Response and Investigation
The Chinese Civil Aviation Authority (CAAC) announced a formal investigation into the incident. As of June 5, 2025, no official findings or new policies have been released. The investigation will likely look at several factors, including:
- The clarity of airport signs and markings
- The information given to pilots before landing (such as NOTAMs—Notices to Airmen)
- The actions of both the pilots and air traffic controllers
- Any possible confusion caused by the airport’s layout or ongoing construction
No injuries or damage were reported, and the aircraft was able to continue its operations after the incident. Georgian Airlines has not yet made a public statement about the event.
What Is a Boeing 767-300ER?
The Boeing 767-300ER is a large, twin-engine airplane used for both passenger and cargo flights. The “ER” stands for “Extended Range,” meaning it can fly longer distances without stopping. The aircraft involved in this incident was almost 34 years old and had been used for many flights and landings over its lifetime. Georgian Airlines operates three Boeing 767-300ER freighters, with an average age of about 31 years.
Why Are Runway Incursions So Dangerous?
A runway incursion happens when an airplane, vehicle, or person is on a runway when they shouldn’t be. This can lead to accidents, especially if a plane tries to land or take off while the runway is blocked or not ready for use. In this case, the Boeing 767 almost landed on a runway that was still being built, which could have caused serious damage to the plane and put lives at risk.
Globally, runway incursions are a known risk. The United States 🇺🇸 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a program called Runway Incursion Mitigation (RIM), which has helped reduce these incidents by making airports safer. The FAA’s Runway Safety Fact Sheet provides more information about these efforts.
How Do Airports Prevent Runway Confusion?
Airports use several methods to help pilots identify the correct runway:
- Clear Signs and Markings: Bright, easy-to-read signs and painted lines help pilots see which runways are open and which are closed.
- Lighting: Special lights show which runways are active, and which are not to be used.
- NOTAMs: Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) are official messages that tell pilots about changes at airports, such as construction or closed runways.
- ATC Monitoring: Air traffic controllers watch planes closely, especially when construction is happening, to catch any mistakes before they become accidents.
What Can Pilots Do to Stay Safe?
Pilots are trained to check airport diagrams, read all NOTAMs, and listen carefully to air traffic controllers. When flying into an unfamiliar airport, especially one with ongoing construction, pilots must be extra careful to double-check which runway they are cleared to use. Approach briefings—where pilots review the landing plan before arrival—are especially important in these situations.
What Does This Mean for Immigration and International Travel?
While this incident did not directly involve passengers or immigration procedures, it does have important effects on international travel and airport safety:
- Cargo Flights: Georgian Airlines is a cargo airline, meaning it carries goods rather than passengers. Safe cargo flights are essential for global trade, including the movement of important items like medical supplies, electronics, and food.
- Airport Safety: Incidents like this can lead to new safety rules at airports, which can affect how quickly and smoothly flights arrive and depart. This can have a ripple effect on travelers, airlines, and airport workers.
- International Cooperation: When incidents happen at major airports like Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, they often lead to cooperation between countries to improve safety standards and share lessons learned.
Who Are the Key Stakeholders?
Several groups are affected by incidents like this:
- Airlines: Must ensure their pilots are well-trained and have the latest information about airports they fly to.
- Airport Operators: Need to make sure construction zones are clearly marked and that all changes are communicated to pilots and air traffic controllers.
- Regulators: Such as the Chinese Civil Aviation Authority and the FAA, are responsible for setting and enforcing safety rules.
- Pilots and Crew: Must stay alert and follow all procedures, especially when flying into unfamiliar or changing airports.
- Cargo Customers: Rely on safe, on-time delivery of goods.
What Are the Broader Safety Lessons?
Aviation safety experts say that runway confusion is a known risk, especially at airports with ongoing construction. They recommend:
- Better Airport Diagrams: Up-to-date maps help pilots understand the layout of the airport, including which runways are open or closed.
- Clearer NOTAMs: Notices to Airmen should be easy to read and highlight any changes that could affect safety.
- Improved ATC Procedures: Controllers should be trained to spot potential mistakes and act quickly, as they did in this case.
- Pilot Training: Regular training on how to handle unusual situations, such as construction or unfamiliar airports, can help prevent mistakes.
Historical Context: How Common Are These Incidents?
While runway incursions are not rare, it is unusual for a large plane like a Boeing 767 to almost land on a runway that is still being built. According to aviation records, the Boeing 767 has been involved in 67 aviation occurrences, including 19 hull-loss accidents, but incidents involving unfinished runways are very rare. The FAA’s RIM program has helped reduce runway incursions by 78% at airports where it has been used.
What Happens Next?
The Chinese Civil Aviation Authority’s investigation is ongoing. Depending on what they find, there may be new rules or recommendations for airports in China 🇨🇳 and possibly around the world. These could include:
- Stricter Rules for Construction Zones: Airports may be required to use more signs, barriers, or lights to make sure unfinished runways are clearly marked.
- Better Communication: Pilots may get more detailed briefings about airport layouts, especially when construction is happening.
- New Training for Pilots and ATC: Both pilots and air traffic controllers may receive extra training on how to handle situations where runways are being built or changed.
Implications for the Future
This incident is a reminder that even experienced pilots and modern airplanes can make mistakes, especially in complex environments. As airports grow and change to handle more flights, the risk of confusion increases. It’s important for everyone involved—airlines, airports, regulators, and pilots—to work together to keep flights safe.
For travelers and cargo customers, this means that safety remains the top priority, even if it sometimes leads to delays or changes in flight plans. For airport workers and pilots, it’s a call to stay alert and follow all procedures, especially when things are changing quickly.
Practical Steps for Stakeholders
- Airlines: Review pilot training programs to include more scenarios involving construction and unusual airport layouts.
- Airport Operators: Check that all construction zones are clearly marked and that information is shared with airlines and pilots.
- Regulators: Consider updating rules and guidance based on the findings of the investigation.
- Pilots: Always double-check runway assignments and stay alert for changes, especially when flying into airports with ongoing construction.
Where to Find More Information
For updates on the investigation and official safety recommendations, travelers and industry professionals can visit the Chinese Civil Aviation Authority’s website. For general information about runway safety and prevention programs, the FAA’s Runway Safety Fact Sheet is a helpful resource.
Conclusion
The near-miss involving a Georgian Airlines Boeing 767 at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is a clear example of how quickly things can go wrong—and how important it is for everyone in aviation to work together to prevent accidents. Thanks to alert air traffic controllers and trained pilots, a serious mistake was avoided. As airports continue to grow and change, incidents like this will shape new safety rules and training programs, helping to keep the skies safe for everyone.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this event is a wake-up call for the aviation industry to keep improving safety, especially during times of change. By learning from close calls like this, airports and airlines can make sure that passengers, crew, and cargo all reach their destinations safely.
Learn Today
Boeing 767-300ER → A large twin-engine aircraft with extended range capabilities used for cargo and passenger flights.
Go-around → An aborted landing procedure where pilots climb away from the runway to attempt another approach.
NOTAM → Notice to Airmen; official information about temporary airport conditions like closures or construction.
Runway incursion → When a plane, vehicle, or person is on a runway without authorization, increasing accident risk.
Air traffic control (ATC) → Personnel managing aircraft movements on ground and in airspace to ensure safe operations.
This Article in a Nutshell
A Georgian Airlines Boeing 767 nearly landed on a closed runway at Xi’an Airport on May 28, 2025. Quick air traffic control actions prevented disaster. The event highlights safety challenges at airports with ongoing construction, emphasizing pilot training, clear signage, and communication importance to avoid similar near-misses globally.
— By VisaVerge.com
