Guayaquil, Ecuador: An Iberia Airbus A350-900 sustained wing damage during a ceremonial water salute at José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil on June 4, forcing the cancellation of a scheduled flight to Madrid.
The aircraft, registered EC-NXD, was preparing to operate the Guayaquil-Madrid service when the incident occurred during a traditional water-cannon salute conducted by airport firefighting vehicles.
According to footage and reports from local media, the aircraft’s wingtip area came into contact with equipment associated with the ceremony, resulting in visible damage to the winglet. Aviation incident records and eyewitness videos indicate the collision occurred while the aircraft was taxiing beneath the water arch created for the event.
Following the incident, airport personnel and airline representatives inspected the aircraft. Iberia subsequently cancelled the planned departure to Madrid to allow for technical evaluation and repairs.
No injuries were reported among passengers, crew members, airport firefighters, or ground personnel. To ensure passengers reach their destinations, a phased rebooking is being coordinated with the support of other airlines.
The aircraft involved was an Airbus A350-900, one of Iberia’s long-haul flagship aircraft used on intercontinental services between Spain and Latin America.
As of publication, Iberia had not released a detailed public statement explaining the circumstances of the collision or the extent of the damage. Airport and airline officials continue to assess the aircraft before it returns to service.
The incident remains under review, and further information is expected once inspections are completed.
