A LATAM Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has been grounded on Easter Island after an airport vehicle accidentally tore off one of the aircraft’s passenger doors, leaving the widebody jet stranded at one of the world’s most isolated airports. The incident occurred on Friday, 29 May, at Mataveri International Airport (IPC), the main gateway to Easter Island, a remote Chilean territory located approximately 3,750 kilometres west of the South American mainland in the Pacific Ocean.
According to initial reports, the aircraft involved was Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner **CC-BBD**, which had arrived as flight LA841 from Santiago de Chile. During ground handling operations, an airstairs truck reportedly collided with the aircraft’s left-side L2 door, ripping it completely off the fuselage.
Images circulating on social media show the detached door lying on the apron next to the aircraft while ground crews assess the damage.
The remote location of Easter Island presents significant logistical challenges for repairs. Mataveri International Airport is served primarily by LATAM flights to Santiago, and sourcing replacement parts or specialised maintenance personnel could take considerable time.
The extent of the structural damage has not yet been confirmed. Aviation experts note that while aircraft doors can be replaced, inspections will be required to determine whether the surrounding fuselage structure sustained additional damage during the impact.
The incident has left the Dreamliner grounded on the island pending further assessment and repair planning.
LATAM has not yet released detailed information regarding the expected timeline for returning the aircraft to service.
NEW: LATAM Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner grounded at one of the most remote airports in the world after the L2 door was torn off by an airstairs truck.
The incident occurred on Friday at Mataveri International Airport on Easter Island in Chile, located approximately 3,759 kilometres… pic.twitter.com/IJj2WhuaVw
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) May 31, 2026
This post was published on 1 June 2026 19:04
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