KLM Airbus A321neo returns to service after three-month grounding

A KLM Airbus A321neo, registration PH-AXB, has returned to service in Amsterdam following a three-month grounding. The aircraft was sidelined after a tailstrike incident during landing at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport on June 16.

The incident occurred during flight KL1583, where the aircraft's tail and rear fuselage sustained damage after contacting the runway. While no injuries were reported, the aircraft required extensive technical investigations and repairs.

Although the physical repairs took approximately four weeks, the aircraft remained in Lisbon for nearly three months. A KLM spokesperson indicated that the delay was due to the unusual nature of the incident, which required ordering specific parts directly from Airbus rather than following routine maintenance procedures.