In a tragic early-morning incident at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, an Emirates cargo plane veered off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport and plunged into the sea, claiming the lives of two ground crew members. The Boeing 747-400 freighter, arriving from Dubai, lost control moments after touchdown on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Emirates Cargo Plane Incident: What Happened?
According to Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department, flight UAE9788 landed on the airport’s north runway at approximately 3:50 a.m. local time. Shortly after, the aircraft deviated from the runway, skidded across the tarmac, and crashed into the adjacent waters of the South China Sea .
Photos from the scene show the massive cargo jet partially submerged, its tail section resting against a rocky embankment. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but the situation quickly turned fatal for two ground personnel who were working near the runway.
Fatalities and Rescues
Hong Kong police confirmed that two ground crew members fell into the sea during the crash. One was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second succumbed to injuries en route to the hospital .
All four crew members aboard the Emirates cargo plane survived. They were rescued from the cockpit and transported to a nearby medical facility for evaluation. Their conditions have not been publicly disclosed.
Runway Closure and Airport Operations
The north runway—one of two at Hong Kong International Airport—was immediately shut down following the incident. While the south runway remains operational, the closure has caused significant delays and cancellations for both passenger and cargo flights throughout the day.
Authorities have not yet released an estimated timeline for reopening the affected runway, citing ongoing recovery and safety assessments.
Investigation Underway
Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department has launched a full investigation into the cause of the Emirates cargo plane accident. Preliminary focus includes weather conditions, pilot actions, braking systems, and possible runway surface issues.
Early reports suggest visibility was reduced due to light rain, though it’s unclear if that played a role. Investigators are also reviewing air traffic control communications and cockpit voice recordings.
Emirates Responds
As of Monday afternoon, Emirates had not issued a public statement or responded to media inquiries regarding the crash. The airline, based in Dubai, operates one of the world’s largest cargo fleets and frequently uses Hong Kong as a key Asian logistics hub.
This incident marks one of the most serious aviation accidents at Hong Kong International Airport since its opening in 1998.
Air Safety in the Spotlight
The crash has reignited discussions about ground crew safety protocols during nighttime landings and emergency response coordination at major airports. Aviation experts emphasize that while runway excursions are rare, they can be catastrophic—especially near water or urban areas.
“Ground personnel are often the unsung heroes of aviation,” said Dr. Lena Cho, an aviation safety researcher at the University of Hong Kong. “This tragedy underscores the need for enhanced buffer zones and real-time hazard alerts during adverse landings.”
