Amazing video of Etihad A380 crosswind landing at Heathrow

Geoffrey Thomas

By Geoffrey Thomas Sun Feb 16, 2020

An amazing video of an Etihad A380 landing in severe crosswinds demonstrates how tough the Airbus superjumbo is, not to mention the skill of the Etihad pilots. The video was taken this week at Heathrow which was battered by severe weather. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeVEbYHmTcM&fbclid=IwAR0DO2K8hE1Uk8ILLuF6iNWRFHHLUIYugTpaKXqlBGa80XKM2JGsw47I6wE Typically aircraft land and take-off into the wind to decrease the landing or take-off distance. In some cases aircraft land with a slight downwind component – typically associated with noise-sensitive airports where one runway is preferred over another.
Where a pilot faces a crosswind landing they need to point the aircraft in the direction of the wind while maintaining a straight course toward the runway. This is called crabbing or yawing. In strong crosswinds, the pilot may also dip the wing – sideslip – into the direction of the wind. Just before touchdown pilots apply rudder to bring the plane – and its undercarriage – back so it is aligned straight down the centerline of the runway. This takes great skill and the results – if not done properly – are often quite spectacular as shown in this video of the Etihad A380.

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
United Airlines pilot controversy ongoing
Airline News

United Airlines pilot controversy ongoing

Oct 8, 2026

Sharon Petersen
Evidence STARLUX is setting a new standard in Economy and Premium Economy Travel
Airline Ratings review

Evidence STARLUX is setting a new standard in Economy and Premium Economy Travel

Oct 6, 2026

Josh Wood
CEO shares what drives the world's best low-cost carrier
Airline News

CEO shares what drives the world's best low-cost carrier

Oct 6, 2026

Josh Wood
China Southern business class review: Guangzhou to Perth direct
Airline News

China Southern business class review: Guangzhou to Perth direct

Oct 5, 2026

Sharon Petersen and Sandy West

Featured articles

View more
China Southern business class review: Guangzhou to Perth direct
Airline News

China Southern business class review: Guangzhou to Perth direct

Oct 5, 2026

Sharon Petersen and Sandy West
Evidence STARLUX is setting a new standard in Economy and Premium Economy Travel
Airline Ratings review

Evidence STARLUX is setting a new standard in Economy and Premium Economy Travel

Oct 6, 2026

Josh Wood
CEO shares what drives the world's best low-cost carrier
Airline News

CEO shares what drives the world's best low-cost carrier

Oct 6, 2026

Josh Wood
Is HK Express the Best Low-Cost Airline for Food and Shopping?
Airline News

Is HK Express the Best Low-Cost Airline for Food and Shopping?

Sep 17, 2026

Airline Ratings