British Airways Airbus A350-1000 Stranded In Barbados For Nine Days Following Fuselage Puncture

A British Airways Airbus A350-1000 was grounded in Barbados for nine days after an ambulift impacted the right side of the aircraft, resulting in a puncture to the composite fuselage.

On August 18, 2026, British Airways was operating scheduled flight BA255 from London Heathrow (LHR) to Barbados (BGI), using one of its Airbus A350-1000s. The route which is regularly served by a Boeing 777-200ER, was upgraded to A350-1000 service from July 18, 2026 for the remaining July/August period.

The flight in question which was serviced by G-XWBK, landed at 2:47 p.m. local time, and was scheduled to depart Barbados at 4:35 p.m. for London. It’s not clear exactly when the incident occurred, but a ground crew member driving a GCG Group ambulift accidentally crashed into the right side of the aircraft, resulting in the composite frame being damaged.

From a viral video being shared locally, it looks like the left side guard rail of the bridge platform pierced the fuselage near the R2 door. As a result, the aircraft had to be grounded.

Passengers destined to London Heathrow on BA254 were accommodated overnight, with a relief flight (operated with another A350-1000 registered G-XWBO) being flown in the next day.

Repair works were carried out, and the aircraft was ferried back to London Heathrow as BA9606, leaving Barbados at 8:54 a.m. local time. GCG Group and British Airways have launched an investigation into the matter.

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