Breaking: Cargo Plane Overruns Runway at Hong Kong Airport, Two Dead

Update as of 08:55 AM HKT, October 20, 2025: Authorities have updated the casualty count to two workers dead following the collision with the ground vehicle. The north runway remains closed, and investigations into the incident, including potential weather or mechanical factors, are ongoing.

A Boeing 747 cargo aircraft operated by Emirates skidded off a runway at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday morning, colliding with a ground service vehicle and coming to rest partially in the water.

The accident occurred around 3:50 AM local time when Emirates flight EK9788, inbound from Dubai, overran the north runway during its landing approach. The freighter struck a ground vehicle, forcing it into the sea.

Two workers were inside the vehicle at the time of impact. According to sources, a 30-year-old man was pronounced dead, while his 41-year-old colleague was pulled from the water and taken to North Lantau Hospital. Hospital officials have not released information about his condition. The aircraft's four crew members escaped injury.

Airport authorities have shut down the north runway indefinitely, causing disruptions to flight schedules. The Hong Kong Government Flying Service has dispatched helicopters to support ongoing search and recovery operations.

Both the Hong Kong Airport Authority and Emirates are working with investigators to establish what caused the aircraft to overrun the runway. Officials say more information will be released as the investigation continues.

Emirates Flight Wet Leased from ACT Airlines

An Emirates spokesperson, in the airline’s first statement following the crash, confirmed that the aircraft was wet-leased from ACT Airlines, a Turkish operator, which provided both the plane and its crew.

According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, a wet lease involves one airline supplying another with an aircraft and at least one crew member.

The spokesperson also stated that the crew were safe and the aircraft was not carrying any cargo.

Official Response

A Transport and Logistics Bureau spokesperson expressed profound concern and sorrow over the accident, offering condolences to the families of the two ground staff members who lost their lives.

The spokesperson stressed that flight safety is of "utmost importance" and confirmed that the Air Accident Investigation Authority will "thoroughly investigate" the incident’s cause.

"The Civil Aviation Department and Airport Authority Hong Kong will provide full support to ensure safe airport operations," the spokesperson added.

Both the Hong Kong Airport Authority and Emirates are collaborating with investigators to determine why the aircraft overran the runway, with officials noting that further details will be shared as the investigation progresses.