Two Dead After Cargo Plane Skids Off Runway into Sea at Hong Kong Airport

HONG KONG — October 20, 2025
A cargo aircraft operated by ACT Airlines skidded off the runway and partially submerged into the sea during landing at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday morning. The flight, which originated from Dubai, resulted in the deaths of two ground staff members and significant damage to the aircraft.

According to Hong Kong’s Airport Authority, the Boeing 747-400 freighter deviated from the north runway during landing at approximately 3:50 AM local time. Photographs from the scene show the aircraft—bearing AirACT livery—partially submerged near the airport’s seawall, with its nose and tail sections separated and an emergency slide deployed.

Crew Rescued, Ground Fatalities Confirmed

All four crew members on board the flight were rescued and are receiving medical care. There was no cargo onboard at the time of the incident. However, local media, citing police sources, reported that two individuals inside a ground vehicle near the runway were killed, likely after being struck by the aircraft. Their conditions were initially listed as “pending confirmation” by authorities.

Emirates Confirms Aircraft Details

Emirates, which leased the aircraft from ACT Airlines, confirmed the aircraft involved was a Boeing 747-400 (registration TC-ACF), operated under flight number EK9788. The airline stated:

“The crew are confirmed to be safe and there was no cargo onboard. Emirates extends our condolences to the families and colleagues of the two airport employees who lost their lives on the ground. We remain available to support the investigation as needed.”

Investigation Underway

Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department has reported the incident to the Air Accident Investigation Authority and confirmed it is actively supporting the investigation. ACT Airlines—a Turkish cargo carrier—has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident.

Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 shows the aircraft was 32 years old and had previously served as a passenger plane before being converted to a freighter.

Despite the severity of the incident, the Airport Authority confirmed that overall flight operations at Hong Kong International Airport remained unaffected on Monday.