Published: 09:30, October 20, 2025 | Updated: 14:14, October 20, 2025
2 killed as cargo plane skids off runway at HK airport
By Wu Kunling in Hong Kong

Emergency personnel work near a cargo plane lying partially in the sea after it veered off the runway during landing at Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong, China, Oct 20, 2025. (PHOTO / REUTERS)

Two men were killed at Hong Kong International Airport at around 4am on Monday after their ground patrol vehicle was catapulted into the sea by a cargo plane from Dubai which veered off the North Runway while landing. 

Both the cargo plane, which was carrying AirACT livery, and the vehicle plunged into the sea. 

While four crew members on the plane evacuated using escape slides, the 41-year-old patrol car driver and a 30-year-old security officer were fatally trapped in the vehicle that was later retrieved from 7 meters underwater.

Steven Yiu Siu-chung, executive director of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said weather conditions were suitable for flights and the runway was operating normally when the accident took place. No distress call was received when it happened, he added.

Emergency personnel gather near damaged fencing after a cargo plane veered off the runway during landing at Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong, China, Oct 20, 2025. (PHOTO / REUTERS)

Yiu was addressing a media briefing conducted by the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA), along with the Fire Services Department, police, and Civil Aviation Department on Monday morning.

Yiu said that the accident will not disrupt the 1,000 flights scheduled for Monday, as the Centre Runway and the South Runway will be used while the North Runway is closed for the investigation. Once the investigation is complete, authorities will coordinate with the aircraft owner on aircraft removal before determining the reopening of the North runway, he added.

The B744 cargo aircraft, flight UAE9788, veered off the north runway during landing, crashing through the perimeter fence and propelling the security patrol vehicle into the sea. Representatives from the fire services department revealed that upon arrival, rescue teams found the plane split in two, floating on the water.

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AAHK representatives extended their heartfelt condolences to the victims and committed to supporting their families. The AAIA said they had initially classified the incident as an accident, and are examining factors including aircraft maintenance, operations, and weather conditions to determine its cause.

A Civil Aviation Department representative mentioned that six flights scheduled for takeoff or landing at the time experienced minor delays of up to 15 minutes.

 

amberwu@chinadailyhk.com