Qatar Airways 787 Returns to Düsseldorf With Autopilot Problem

Qatar Airways flight from Düsseldorf to Doha, Qatar was forced to make a return to Düsseldorf on 19 April 2024 after experiencing autopilot problems.

Qatar Airways flight QR86, a Boeing 787-9 had just departed Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) RWY 23L, when it experienced the issue.

Qatar Airways QR86 Dusseldorf-Doha

Following its departure, flight QR86 discontinued its climb at 7000 feet and entered a holding procedure. Flight crew held in the aircraft in a holding pattern in the vicinity of Düsseldorf airport, presumably attempting to troubleshoot the autopilot problem.

The aircraft made several holding circuits, climbing to 10,000 feet in the final stages before making a return to Düsseldorf.

Having held for just over an hour, the flight subsequently landed without further incident on DUS RWY 23L.

The flight did not declare a formal emergency, and the holding procedure and subsequent return were conducted under normal flight operations.

Flight Details

Flight data shows that the flight QR86 rotation from Düsseldorf for Doha made a delayed departure out of Düsseldorf. The flight shows an actual time of departure of 1638 local time. Scheduled departure for the service was 1525 local.

The flight terminated its climb and remained below 10,000 feet for the duration of the holding procedure. The aircraft concerned subsequently conducted the following days QR86 service to Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH).

Boeing 787-9 A7-BHA

The aircraft conducting the Doha service on 19 April was a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered A7-BHA.

This is a 4.6 year old wide-body aircraft belonging to the Qatari national carrier. It is been in service with Qatar Airways since December 2019.

Qatar Airways is the national airline of Qatar, headquartered in Doha. Here are some facts about Qatar Airways:

• Founded in 1993, it is a relatively young airline but has grown rapidly to become a major player in the global aviation industry.
• A member of the Oneworld alliance, which gives passengers access to a wider network of destinations and benefits such as frequent flyer points.
• Operates a hub-and-spoke network, with Hamad International Airport in Doha as its main hub.
• Flies to over 170 destinations across five continents.
• Has a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft.

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