Viral video: AirAsia jet battling crosswinds during landing at Taiwan airport
A viral video shows an AirAsia jet landing at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport while battling strong crosswinds. The landing, which appears precarious, is actually a standard procedure known as the 'crab' technique used by pilots during high-wind conditions. Modern aircraft are designed to handle such situations, and pilots are trained to ensure safety during these challenging landings.
- ▪The video depicts an AirAsia flight landing amid powerful gusts of wind.
- ▪Pilots use a technique called 'crab' to align the aircraft into the wind before touchdown.
- ▪This type of landing is routine and safe, despite its seemingly alarming appearance.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Viral video: AirAsia jet battling crosswinds during landing at Taiwan airport Popkin 11:00 am Wed May 27, 2026 Sunset from the window of an airplane. (Kajdowy/shutterstock.com) This video of an AirAsia flight landing at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport has been making the rounds. It's one of those clips that instantly made my palms sweat with anxiety. The aircraft comes in low over the runway while being tossed around by powerful gusts of wind, looking almost like it's landing at a sideways angle. What you're seeing, though, is a perfectly normal and surprisingly safe crosswind landing. Pilots use what's known as a "crab" technique to accomplish this. They point the nose of the aircraft into the wind so it doesn't get pushed off course.
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