LOS ANGELES- A Qantas (QF) A380 flight from Sydney (SYD) to Los Angeles (LAX) came under scrutiny after actor Lynn Gilmartin reported visible wing damage mid-flight. The airline later confirmed the issue involved a wing slat and said the aircraft landed safely.
Gilmartin also described multiple onboard service failures, raising broader questions about aircraft reliability and customer experience during a peak travel period.
Qantas A380 Damaged at Los Angeles
Actor and World Poker Tour host Lynn Gilmartin was travelling on a Qantas Airbus A380 when she observed what she believed was a piece of the wing breaking off shortly before landing in Los Angeles.
She shared her concerns publicly, noting that the incident followed a series of technical and cabin service issues during the flight.
According to her account, the aircraft experienced a power-related problem that affected in-flight entertainment systems, cabin lighting, seat functions, and lavatories.
While conflicted about publicly criticising an airline she regularly flies with, Gilmartin said her decision was driven by disappointment over declining service standards and perceived safety concerns, Daily Mail UK reported.
Qantas Response and Engineering Assessment
Qantas confirmed that a section of the slat on the left wing was found to be damaged after the aircraft landed in Los Angeles.
A company spokesperson clarified that the part observed was not a structural wing component but a wing slat, a movable surface used during takeoff and landing.
Engineers inspected the aircraft upon arrival, and Qantas stated the plane operated normally throughout the flight and landed without incident.
The airline advised that the aircraft would return to service once a replacement part arrived, noting strong demand for the A380 fleet during the current travel season.
Passenger Compensation and Service Disruptions
The airline acknowledged that in-flight entertainment was unavailable for much of the journey.
Qantas compensated affected passengers with Qantas Frequent Flyer points or flight credits, citing the inconvenience caused and thanking customers for their patience.
No injuries were reported, and the airline maintained that safety was never compromised during the flight.
Latest Incident
The incident follows several recent operational disruptions involving Qantas aircraft.
In November, a domestic flight from Adelaide to Canberra made a priority landing shortly after takeoff when smoke was detected in the flight deck. The aircraft was carrying 55 passengers, including three federal politicians.
Earlier in the year, another Qantas flight was forced to return to Mildura after experiencing hydraulic issues related to wing flap systems shortly after departure. These incidents have added pressure on the airline as it works to restore confidence following increased public scrutiny.
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