A cargo plane operated for Emirates SkyCargo skidded off the northern runway at Hong Kong International Airport on October 20, 2025, after landing from Dubai. The Boeing 747-400 freighter, run by Turkish carrier ACT Airlines, hit an airport security vehicle, pushing it into the sea together with part of the aircraft.
Two airport security officers, aged 30 and 41, lost their lives. One died at the scene, and the other passed away after being taken to hospital. All four crew members on board suffered only minor injuries and were also hospitalized.
The crash is among the deadliest in the airport’s history since it opened in 1998. Authorities closed the northern runway immediately after the accident, while other runways continued operating. Officials said the weather and runway conditions were normal, and the aircraft had not sent out any emergency alerts before landing.
Footage from the scene showed the plane’s front section near the shore while its tail was detached and partly underwater. Rescue teams, including divers and emergency workers, were quickly deployed. The Civil Aviation Department and Hong Kong Police have started an investigation to find out why the aircraft veered off the runway and how the collision with the patrol vehicle happened.
Airport operations have been heavily disrupted, with at least 11 cargo flights canceled. Emirates stated that the aircraft was wet leased from ACT Airlines, which supplied the crew, maintenance, and insurance.
This tragic incident has renewed concern about safety during cargo operations at one of Asia’s busiest airports and raised questions about coordination between ground vehicles and incoming aircraft. Investigations are still ongoing.
