British Airways Dreamliner Stranded in Pittsburgh for More Than Two Months

A British Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has been stuck at Pittsburgh International Airport for more than two months after reportedly suffering significant damage.

The 12-year-old aircraft, registered G-ZBJF, arrived from London Heathrow on 28 August and was due to fly back to London that evening. More than 70 days later, it remains grounded.

Second Long Grounding This Year for British Airways Jet G-ZBJF

A ground service vehicle is understood to have collided with the plane. A mobile baggage belt loader is believed to have struck its underside near a cargo door, reportedly piercing the fuselage. The full extent of the damage hasn’t been confirmed, though aviation enthusiasts suggest the landing gear may also be affected.

About half of the 787’s primary structure is made of composite materials, so specialist inspections and repairs may be needed.

Simple Flying reported the aircraft could be moved to Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport, where maintenance provider FEAM Aero has a facility. Another possibility is Boeing’s 787 facilities in Seattle.

The grounding is likely to be costly, with repair bills, lost revenue and parking charges adding up. The Allegheny County Airport Authority puts parking costs at around $175,000.

It’s also not the first long absence this year for G-ZBJF, which spent from 19 December 2025 to 6 August at Cardiff Airport for maintenance checks.