What's happened
On Monday, October 20, 2025, a Boeing 747 cargo plane operated by ACT Airlines for Emirates skidded off Hong Kong International Airport's north runway during landing, crashing into the sea and striking a security patrol vehicle. Two airport security workers died, and all four crew members were rescued and hospitalized. The north runway remains closed as investigations continue.
What's behind the headline?
Critical Analysis
The crash of Emirates flight EK9788 highlights vulnerabilities in airport ground operations and cargo flight safety during night landings. Despite clear weather and runway conditions, the aircraft veered off the north runway and collided with a security patrol vehicle, indicating potential issues with landing procedures or pilot error. The fact that the patrol vehicle was operating outside the runway fence but still struck raises questions about ground vehicle coordination and safety protocols near active runways.
The incident underscores the risks inherent in wet-leased cargo operations, where aircraft and crews from third-party carriers operate under major airline brands. This arrangement can complicate accountability and operational oversight, as Emirates noted that ACT Airlines handled all operational matters.
The closure of the north runway will impact airport logistics, but the continued operation of the south and center runways mitigates broader disruption. The tragedy will likely prompt a thorough review of night cargo flight safety, ground vehicle patrol routes, and emergency response readiness at one of the world's busiest cargo airports.
Looking ahead, the investigation will focus on mechanical factors, pilot decisions, and ground coordination. The incident will also reignite discussions on balancing operational efficiency with safety in high-traffic cargo hubs. For travelers and businesses relying on Hong Kong's cargo throughput, the event signals a temporary but significant disruption with potential ripple effects on supply chains.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post provides detailed accounts of the crash, noting that the Boeing 747 freighter "swerved off the runway during landing and landed in the waters off the airport's north runway while knocking a security patrol vehicle into the sea," and confirms the deaths of two ground staff, Chan Chun-yin and Vincent Ho Kwok-cheung. It also quotes airport officials emphasizing that the patrol vehicle was "absolutely not near the runway" but patrolling outside the fence along the northern coastline.
Al Jazeera highlights the severity of the incident, describing the plane's tail section as broken off and the emergency slide deployed, and notes that the aircraft did not send an emergency signal. It also reports that police have not ruled out a criminal investigation.
Business Insider UK focuses on the rescue efforts and operational impact, reporting that over 1,000 flights were scheduled on the day but that the south and center runways remained operational. It quotes Emirates confirming the crew were safe and that no cargo was onboard.
Gulf News adds context on weather conditions, mentioning "low visibility and wet conditions" at the time of landing, and notes that the incident has reignited safety discussions for night cargo operations.
The Independent and Bloomberg provide concise summaries confirming the timeline and the involvement of ACT Airlines operating the flight for Emirates.
Together, these sources offer a comprehensive picture of the accident, its immediate human toll, operational consequences, and the ongoing investigation, while highlighting the complexity of wet-leased cargo operations and airport ground safety protocols.
How we got here
Hong Kong International Airport is one of the world's busiest cargo hubs. Emirates leases aircraft and crews from ACT Airlines to meet cargo demand. The Boeing 747 freighter involved was arriving from Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport. The airport has three runways; the north runway was closed following the accident while others remain operational.
Go deeper
- What caused the cargo plane to veer off the runway?
- How will this accident affect Hong Kong airport operations?
- What safety measures are in place for ground vehicles near runways?
Common question
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Hong Kong Airport Cargo Plane Crash: What Happened and What's Next?
A cargo plane veered off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday, striking a ground vehicle and plunging into the sea. The incident resulted in two fatalities among ground operators, while all four crew members survived. The runway remains closed as rescue efforts continue. This event raises questions about the cause of the crash, its impact on airport operations, and safety concerns at Hong Kong Airport. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this serious incident.
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Hong Kong International Airport (IATA: HKG, ICAO: VHHH) is an international airport on the island of Chek Lap Kok in western Hong Kong. The airport is also referred to as Chek Lap Kok International Airport or Chek Lap Kok Airport, to distinguish it from..
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Emirates is the largest airline and one of two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates. Based in Garhoud, Dubai, the airline is a subsidiary of The Emirates Group, which is owned by the government of Dubai's Investment Corporation of Dubai.
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North Lantau Hospital is a public hospital in central Tung Chung, on Hong Kong Lantau Island. It was completed in late 2012 and began services on 24 September 2013.
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The Boeing 747 is a large, long–range wide-body airliner and cargo aircraft manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes in the United States.
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The Boeing 777 is a wide-body airliner developed and manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes, commonly referred to as the Triple Seven.
The 777 was designed to bridge the gap between Boeing's 767 and 747, and to replace older DC-10s or L-1011s.
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Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai.
Located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai aims to be the business hub of Western Asia.