LATAM Boeing 787 Dreamliner Stranded on Remote Easter Island After Airstairs Truck Rips Off Passenger Door
A remarkable aviation incident on May 29, 2026, left a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner grounded at one of the world’s most isolated airports. The aircraft, registered CC-BBD, had just completed flight LA841 from Santiago, Chile, to Easter Island’s Mataveri International Airport when a ground-handling mishap caused major damage.
According to reports, an airstairs truck collided with the aircraft’s L2 passenger door during ground operations, tearing the entire door from the fuselage. Photos from the scene showed the detached door resting on the airport apron as maintenance crews assessed the damage.
What makes this incident especially fascinating is the location. Easter Island lies nearly 3,800 kilometers from mainland Chile in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most remote commercial aviation destinations on Earth. Repairing a modern widebody aircraft in such an isolated location presents enormous logistical challenges, including transporting replacement parts, specialized equipment, and qualified technicians to the island.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, the Dreamliner was immediately grounded while engineers evaluated whether the impact caused additional structural damage beyond the missing door. LATAM has not yet announced when the aircraft will return to service.
The unusual incident highlights how even routine ground operations can result in costly and complex aviation disruptions—especially when they occur far from major maintenance facilities.