HONG KONG, Oct. 20, 2025 — A Boeing 747 freighter arriving from Dubai veered off the runway while landing at Hong Kong International Airport in the early hours of Monday, coming to rest partially submerged in the sea.
According to the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the aircraft struck a ground service vehicle during its landing roll. Two ground staff members inside the vehicle were killed — one pronounced dead at the scene and the other later in hospital.
Crew Rescued
The four crew members aboard the cargo plane were rescued and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency services deployed boats and rescue teams immediately after the incident, with images showing the aircraft’s fuselage broken near the tail and its nose section resting in shallow waters by the airport’s seawall.
Airport Operations
The accident occurred at approximately 3:50 a.m. local time, forcing the closure of the north runway. The airport confirmed that its central and south runways remain operational, though some flights have been delayed or diverted.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Early data from flight-tracking services indicated the aircraft was travelling at about 49 knots when it left the runway. Weather conditions at the time were reported as stable, though investigators are examining whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or runway conditions contributed to the accident.
Wider Context
The incident is one of the most serious at Hong Kong International Airport in recent years, raising questions about runway safety and ground operations at one of the world’s busiest cargo hubs. The aircraft, operated under AirACT livery with an Emirates flight number, had been carrying freight from Dubai.
Summary: Two ground workers were killed when a Boeing 747 cargo plane overshot the runway and plunged into the sea at Hong Kong International Airport. All four crew members survived, while investigators continue to examine the cause of the crash.
Hong-Kong-International-Airport-T-1-Control-Tower-Picture-by-Crisco-1492
Sources: Airport Authority Hong Kong; Hong Kong Police; Reuters; South China Morning Post Yahoo News UK ABC News | MSN The Straits Times.
