Hong Kong International Airport: Two dead as Emirates cargo plane plunges into the sea
Two people have died after a cargo plane skidded off a runway and plunged into the sea at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday morning.
The Emirates flight EK9788 — a Boeing 747-481 operated by Turkish cargo carrier Air ACT — had arrived from Dubai when it reportedly collided with a vehicle on the airport’s North Runway around 3.50am local time.
The force of the collision sent two airport personnel into the water, the Civil Aviation Department said. Both were rescued but later died in the hospital, according to local broadcaster RTHK.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.All four crew members on board the aircraft survived and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
An Emirates spokesperson confirmed in a statement that the aircraft was leased from them by Act Airlines.
“Emirates confirms that EK9788, which sustained damage on landing in Hong Kong on 20 October 2025, was a cargo aircraft wet leased from, and operated by, Act Airlines. The aircraft is a Boeing 747-400 with registration TC-ACF”.
The airline continued by confirming, “crew are confirmed to be safe and there was no cargo onboard.”
Authorities said the North Runway remains closed while investigations continue, though the airport’s two other runways are still operational.
Hong Kong’s Government Flying Service deployed helicopters to assist in the rescue, while Fire Services Department vessels joined search efforts near the affected area.
At least 11 incoming cargo flights scheduled for Monday were cancelled, according to the Airport Authority.
The crash marks a rare and tragic incident for Hong Kong International Airport, which is regarded as one of the safest and most efficient aviation hubs in the world.
