The Hong Kong Cargo Plane Crash was an aviation accident that occurred on 20 October 2025 on the northern runway of Hong Kong International Airport. The Boeing 747 cargo aircraft operating as Emirates flight EK9788, leased from the Turkish cargo airline ACT Airlines, veered off the runway during its approach to Hong Kong and collided with a security patrol vehicle before being partially dragged into the sea. Two airport security personnel lost their lives in the incident.
Flight Information
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 747-400 (747-481F variant) cargo plane operated by Emirates as flight EK9788. It had departed from Dubai International Airport on a scheduled cargo flight to Hong Kong. The flight was operated under a wet lease agreement by ACT Airlines, a Turkish cargo airline, which provided the aircraft, crew and insurance. Following the crash, Emirates stated that there was no cargo on board and that all four crew members survived the incident.
Sequence of Events
The crash occurred at approximately 03:50 local time (19:50 GMT). Emirates flight EK9788 deviated left during its landing approach to the northern runway of Hong Kong International Airport, crossed the perimeter fence and headed toward the sea. The aircraft struck a security patrol vehicle that was conducting its rounds along the shoreline outside the runway. As the aircraft broke through the fence and overran the vehicle, both vehicles were pushed into the sea.
After the impact, the aircraft split into two parts, with a portion of the fuselage sinking into the sea. At least one emergency exit was activated, and the crew evacuated through these exits. Firefighters who arrived at the scene reported that the cockpit remained on land while the rear section of the fuselage was submerged. The four-member crew was quickly rescued by fire and rescue teams.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
Following the crash, the two personnel inside the security vehicle were swept into the sea along with the vehicle. Divers located the vehicle approximately 40 minutes after the crash, five metres from the shore and seven metres underwater. The 30-year-old officer died at the scene; the other officer, aged 41, was transported to hospital but could not be saved.
The Hong Kong Fire Services Department reported that a total of 213 personnel participated in the rescue operation. After evacuating the crew, divers were deployed to locate the submerged vehicle. Divers recovered the bodies of the two security officers inside the vehicle. Emirates Airlines and the Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau sent condolences to the families of the deceased personnel.
Following the crash, the northern runway of Hong Kong International Airport was temporarily closed. Airport management announced that the runway would remain closed until a safety inspection was completed. The central and southern runways continued normal operations. The Transport and Logistics Bureau stated that no major disruption to airport operations was expected and that approximately 1,000 scheduled flights remained unchanged. Six flights experienced brief delays, and between 11 and 12 cargo flights were cancelled due to the incident.
Official Statements
Airport Authority Hong Kong
Airport Authority official Steven Yiu Siu-chung stated that the patrol vehicle was operating safely outside the runway boundary, beyond the perimeter fence, when it was struck by the aircraft. Yiu emphasized that “the vehicle did not enter the runway at any time.” Weather conditions and the physical state of the runway were confirmed to be suitable for landing.
Civil Aviation Department
The Civil Aviation Department confirmed that flight EK9788 had received clearance for landing from the control tower. The department reported that the aircraft did not transmit any emergency signals during its approach and that communication with the control tower was lost prior to the crash.
Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA)
AAIA Chairman Man Ka-chai stated that the investigation would examine the aircraft’s mechanical systems, maintenance records, operational procedures, weather conditions and runway surface. The authority confirmed that efforts were underway to recover the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder (black boxes) from the sea.
Hong Kong Police
Hong Kong Airport Area Police Commander Yip Pun-yu stated that the investigation was being conducted in coordination with the Air Accident Investigation Authority and that a criminal investigation could not be ruled out.
Transport and Logistics Bureau
The Bureau expressed “deep sorrow” over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the two deceased officers. The statement emphasized that “flight safety remains the highest priority.”
Investigation
The Hong Kong Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash. The investigation includes an analysis of the aircraft’s mechanical systems, maintenance history, crew actions, runway conditions and weather conditions. Representatives from Emirates and ACT Airlines have been dispatched to Hong Kong to assist local authorities in the inquiry. Planning for the recovery of the Boeing 747-400 aircraft from the sea will be undertaken in later stages of the investigation.
