Two airport security officers killed after Emirates SkyCargo flight overshoots runway and breaks apart at Hong Kong International Airport.

By Globiscope News Desk

October 20, 2025

A cargo plane arriving from Dubai skidded off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday, crashing through a perimeter fence and plunging partly into the sea. The accident killed two airport security staff and left the aircraft’s fuselage split in half.

According to Hong Kong aviation officials, the incident occurred at around 3:50 a.m. local time (19:50 GMT) when Emirates flight EK9788, a Boeing 747-481 freighter, overshot the north runway during landing.

The aircraft, operated by Turkish cargo airline Air ACT under a wet lease agreement with Emirates SkyCargo, struck a patrol car outside the runway before breaking apart. The vehicle was pushed into the water, killing both security personnel inside — men aged 30 and 41.

Four Crew Members Rescued

Authorities confirmed that all four crew members aboard the freighter survived and were rescued shortly after the crash. They were taken to a nearby hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.

Emirates said in a statement that no cargo was onboard at the time of the crash and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

> “We can confirm that all crew members are safe. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic incident,” the airline said.

Investigation Underway

Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department announced that a full investigation into the cause of the crash is now underway. Officials said weather conditions were clear during the landing, and no distress signal was received from the crew prior to touchdown.

Authorities have not ruled out a criminal probe, citing the need to determine whether procedural or mechanical errors were involved.

The airport’s north runway remains closed, while the other two runways are fully operational to minimize disruption at one of the world’s busiest cargo hubs.

A Rare Tragedy at Hong Kong Airport

This marks only the second fatal accident at the current Hong Kong International Airport since it opened in 1998. The first occurred in 1999, when a China Airlines jet crash-landed during a typhoon, killing three people.

The airport, located on Chek Lap Kok island, handles more air freight than any other airport in the world and is known for its high safety record.

About the Aircraft

The downed Boeing 747-481 (BDSF) has a long service history. According to aviation tracking site Airfleets, the aircraft first entered service in 1993 as a passenger jet before being converted into a freighter.

Over its 30-year lifespan, it has flown under several airlines, including All Nippon Airways (ANA) of Japan and Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia). It was later acquired by Air ACT, a Turkish cargo carrier that operates a small fleet of Boeing 747s for various international clients.

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the aircraft departed Dubai International Airport late Sunday before making its final approach into Hong Kong.

Global Reaction and Aftermath

Emergency services and rescue divers were deployed immediately after the crash, working through the early morning to recover the victims and secure the wreckage. Images from the scene show the aircraft’s fuselage partially submerged in seawater, with debris scattered near the break point.

Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau said it was coordinating with international aviation authorities and Boeing representatives to assist in the investigation.