On October 20, 2025, a Boeing cargo plane veered off the runway during landing at Hong Kong International Airport, crashing into the sea and killing two security officers. The incident, one of the deadliest at the airport since its 1998 opening, occurred around 4 a.m. local time.
The aircraft, arriving from Dubai, skidded off the north runway, smashed through a barrier, and collided with a patrol vehicle before plunging into shallow waters.
The wreckage, with its escape slide inflated, remains partially submerged near the shore. The crash has shocked the aviation community, raising urgent questions about safety measures at one of the world’s busiest cargo hubs.
Details of the Incident
Steven Yiu, head of airport operations, outlined the sequence. The plane, operated by Act Airlines under a short-term lease from Emirates Airlines, veered sharply left during landing, striking a patrol car parked off the runway.
The vehicle was dragged into the sea, trapping two officers. A 30-year-old officer died at the scene, and a 41-year-old passed away in hospital. Divers retrieved both from the submerged car, located 5 meters from shore.
Emirates confirmed the crew’s safety and noted the plane carried no cargo. Clear weather and optimal runway conditions ruled out environmental factors, deepening the mystery of the crash’s cause.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are investigating why the plane lost control, with no distress signal or crew response to radio calls recorded. The Air Accident Investigation Authority is leading a detailed probe, and police may consider criminal charges if negligence is found.
A diagram showed the aircraft’s abrupt deviation midway down the runway. While the north runway is closed, the airport’s two other runways operate normally, avoiding flight disruptions.
The Transport and Logistics Bureau expressed deep concern, promising a thorough review. Rescue teams, including helicopters and boats, assisted in the response, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Airport’s Critical Role
Hong Kong International Airport, a global cargo leader, recently expanded with a third runway in November 2024, part of an $18 billion project to handle growing traffic.
The crash disrupts this progress, spotlighting the need for robust safety protocols. Though rare, such incidents underscore the high stakes of aviation operations at a facility handling millions of tons of cargo annually.
The tragedy has prompted calls for enhanced safety measures to protect workers and maintain the airport’s reputation as a reliable hub.
Community Mourns
The loss of the two officers has devastated airport staff and local residents. Tributes honor their dedication to securing the airport’s perimeter, with vigils planned in their memory.
Families and coworkers await answers from the investigation, hoping to prevent future tragedies. The airport has pledged full cooperation, emphasizing transparency to rebuild trust.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of aviation’s risks, even at top-tier facilities. As Hong Kong mourns, officials focus on supporting the officers’ families and strengthening safeguards to ensure the safety of all who rely on this vital global gateway.
