Iberia A350 damaged during water salute incident in Ecuador

An Iberia Airbus A350-900 registered EC-NXD has been grounded in Ecuador after colliding with an airport fire truck during a ceremonial water cannon salute at Guayaquil Airport, forcing the cancellation of scheduled flight IB132 to Madrid.

The incident occurred on 4 June as the aircraft was taxiing for departure. Airport authorities had organised a traditional water salute to mark the introduction of the Airbus A350 on the route, which is normally served by an Airbus A330.

According to reports, the fire truck positioned on the left side of the taxiway was standing too close to the aircraft. As the A350 passed beneath the arch of water, its wingtip struck the truck’s extended water cannon arm, causing visible damage to the wingtip.

The aircraft immediately returned to the terminal, where engineers began assessing the extent of the damage. The flight to Madrid was subsequently cancelled, leaving passengers stranded while repairs and inspections are carried out.

Water cannon salutes are a long-standing aviation tradition used to celebrate inaugural flights, new aircraft types and other special occasions. However, the practice has occasionally resulted in damage to aircraft, prompting some airlines to limit or prohibit participation in such ceremonies.

The incident highlights the particular challenges of conducting water salutes around modern widebody aircraft such as the Airbus A350, whose wingspan reaches nearly 65 metres and whose curved wingtips extend significantly beyond the main landing gear track.

No injuries were reported, but the aircraft is expected to remain out of service pending a detailed inspection and any necessary repairs.