Singapore releases final report on Changi Airport runway incursion involving China Eastern flights

The airport’s Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System alerted controllers with a yellow runway incursion warning. After assessing that the A320neo’s tail had passed the runway edge line and would likely clear in time, landing clearance was given to the Boeing 777.

However, as both aircraft neared critical points—A320neo still completing its exit and Boeing 777 about to land—the controller issued a go-around instruction to the Boeing 777: “China Eastern Five Six Five, go around, I say again, go around, climb to three thousand feet, continue runway heading.” At this moment, the Boeing 777 was just 76 feet above ground and about 296 meters from the threshold.

Despite this instruction, there was no acknowledgment from the Boeing 777 crew. The aircraft continued its landing because it had already touched down by then and there was no immediate obstruction; both planes later taxied safely to their parking stands.

Afterward, both crews were asked to report to airport management. The A320neo crew explained they slowed for safety during their sharp turn onto taxiway W as required by operator procedures. Meanwhile, all four pilots on board the Boeing 777 said they did not hear any go-around instruction addressed specifically to them but only heard instructions for expediting vacating of the runway by the other aircraft.

China Eastern Airlines is based at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and operates as a full-service carrier since its founding in 1988 (https://www.chinaeasternairlines.com/).