Ethiopian Airlines 787 Disabled at Goma Airport Due Hydraulic Leak

Flight operations at Goma Airport, Democratic Republic of Congo, were suspended on April 26, 2024 after an Ethiopian airlines Boeing 787 became disabled after landing.

Ethiopian Airlines flight ET8803, a Boeing 787-8 became disabled after landing at Goma RWY35 after it lost nosewheel steering.

Ethiopian Airlines ET8803 Goma

A hydraulic leak reportedly caused the steering malfunction. The aircraft was subsequently towed off the runway and grounded.

Some inbound flights to Goma diverted to Kalemie, in the province of Tanganyika due to the temporary runway obstruction.

Boeing 787-8 ET-AOU

The aircraft conducting the ET8803 service into Goma was a Boeing 787-8, registered ET-AOU.

This is a 10-year old wide-body aircraft belonging to the Ethiopian national carrier Ethiopian Airlines. It has seen operational service with the carrier since its initial delivery in May 2014.

Ethiopian Airlines operates as Ethiopia’s national carrier. The government wholly owns the airline. Founded in 1945, it is one of the oldest airlines operating in Africa.

Here’s a quick rundown about Ethiopian Airlines:

• Largest Airline in Africa: Ethiopian Airlines dominates Africa’s aviation industry in terms of passengers carried, destinations served, fleet size, and revenue.
• Global Reach: Ethiopian Airlines also ranks fourth in the world for the number of countries it serves. It flies to over 125 destinations worldwide with hubs in Addis Ababa, Bole International Airport, Lomé, Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport and Liège Airport.

Goma International Airport (GOM)

Goma International Airport (GOM) is the main airport serving Goma, a city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Here’s some information about the airport:

• It is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• The airport operates about 108 flights on 12 different routes connecting Goma to 10 destinations in 5 different countries.
• Major destinations include Kinshasa, Entebbe, Congo, and Beni.
• The Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and MONUSCO peacekeeping forces use the airport.
• Goma International Airport is located near the shores of Lake Kivu on the border with Rwanda.