A Boeing 737-800 operated by Garuda Indonesia, registration PK-GFF, landed at Pekanbaru Airport on March 7, 2026, with severe damage to its radome that went undetected during flight. The aircraft, flying Garuda Indonesia Flight GA176 from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Pekanbaru, completed the domestic route without incident reports from the crew.
Post-landing visual inspection by engineers and flight crew revealed extensive damage to the nose cone, specifically the left side. Garuda Indonesia stated: “After landing, visual inspection by engineers and flight crew showed that the radome (nose of the aircraft) was severely damaged. Currently, it is still in the investigation process because the cause of the damage is not yet known.” The 15.8-year-old aircraft has been grounded pending further examination.
The radome, a composite structure combining radar and dome, protects the aircraft’s weather radar system, enabling detection of storms, heavy rain, and turbulence. Made from lightweight fiberglass, it maintains radar signal transmission while preserving aerodynamic shape. Damage typically does not compromise structural integrity but impairs radar function, necessitating repairs before return to service.
The incident prompted cancellation of the return flight to Jakarta. Affected passengers were rebooked on Citilink Flight QG033 from Pekanbaru to Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport, departing at 7:12 pm local time. Aviation authorities and Garuda engineers continue investigating the damage cause.