Tragedy Strikes at Hong Kong International Airport

Two airport ground staff were killed on Monday, October 20, 2025, after a cargo plane skidded off a runway at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and plunged into the sea. The incident, involving Emirates flight EK9788 arriving from Dubai, occurred at approximately 10:50 AM East Africa Time (3:50 AM Hong Kong time) and is considered one of the deadliest aviation accidents at HKIA in recent years.

The Boeing 747 freighter, operated by Turkish carrier ACT Airlines on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo, veered off the north runway (07R) during landing. It then collided with an airport patrol vehicle, pushing it into the sea. The two occupants of the vehicle, identified as ground staff aged 30 and 41 with seven and twelve years of experience respectively, were confirmed dead. One was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other died after being rushed to hospital.

Investigation Underway Amidst Safety Questions

All four crew members on board the cargo plane survived the crash and were rescued, though they were taken to hospital. Photos from the scene showed the aircraft partially submerged in water near the airport's sea wall, with its nose and tail sections separated and an emergency slide deployed.

Authorities in Hong Kong have launched an investigation into the incident. Airport officials stated that correct instructions were given to the plane and that runway signs were in place to guide aircraft. Steven Yiu, Airport Authority Hong Kong's executive director for airport operations, indicated that the patrol car was on a road outside the runway's fencing at a safe distance when the plane veered off course, crashed through the fencing, and struck the vehicle.

The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department confirmed that the aircraft “deviated from the north runway after landing and ditched into the sea.” The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) is actively investigating the cause and is currently searching for the plane's black boxes, including the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.

Historical Context and Airport Safety Record

Hong Kong International Airport has generally maintained a strong safety record since its opening in 1998. However, this incident marks one of the most serious at the airport. Previous notable aviation accidents in Hong Kong include a China Airlines flight crash in 1999 during a typhoon, which resulted in three fatalities. Other incidents, though less severe, have involved various airlines and operational issues.

The airport's north runway was temporarily closed following the accident, but the other two runways remained operational. Airport authorities stated that passenger flight operations would not be affected, though at least 12 cargo flights were cancelled.

Evidence/Data Box

• Date of Incident: Monday, October 20, 2025
• Time of Incident: Approximately 10:50 AM EAT (3:50 AM Hong Kong time)
• Aircraft: Boeing 747 freighter, Emirates flight EK9788 (operated by ACT Airlines)
• Fatalities: 2 ground staff (aged 30 and 41)
• Survivors: 4 crew members
• Runway Affected: North Runway (07R)
• Investigation: Led by Hong Kong's Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA)

Unanswered Questions and Next Steps

Key questions remain regarding the precise sequence of events that led to the aircraft veering off the runway. Investigators will focus on factors such as pilot actions, potential mechanical failures, and air traffic control communications. The recovery and analysis of the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder will be crucial in determining the cause of the crash.

The incident occurred just before an International Air Transport Association (IATA) symposium scheduled to begin in Hong Kong, which is expected to be attended by aviation world leaders. This timing may bring increased scrutiny to the investigation and broader aviation safety protocols.

What to Watch

The aviation community will closely monitor the ongoing investigation by the AAIA for preliminary findings and a conclusive report on the cause of this tragic accident. Any recommendations arising from the investigation could influence international aviation safety standards and procedures, particularly for cargo operations at busy global hubs. The impact on ACT Airlines and Emirates SkyCargo operations will also be a point of focus.