Emirates Cargo Plane Crashes into Sea at Hong Kong Airport, Killing Two
Emirates Boeing 747 skids into sea, claims two lives.
In a tragic incident early Monday, October 20, 2025, an Emirates cargo flight, operated by Turkish carrier Act Airlines, skidded off the north runway at Hong Kong International Airport and plunged into the sea, killing two people. The Boeing 747 freighter, flying as EK9788 from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was attempting to land around 3:50 a.m. when the accident occurred, according to Hong Kong’s airport authority.
The aircraft, wet-leased from Act Airlines with crew, maintenance, and insurance provided by the Turkish operator, was carrying cargo at the time of the crash. Four crew members were rescued from the partially submerged plane and rushed to a hospital for treatment. However, initial police reports confirmed that two individuals in an airport ground vehicle lost their lives in the incident, sending shockwaves through one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs.
Footage broadcast by local Hong Kong media revealed a harrowing scene: the front half of the aircraft, including the cockpit, remained visible above the water near the airport’s sea wall, while the tail appeared to have broken off and sunk. The crash has prompted the closure of the north runway, though the airport’s two other runways continue to operate, minimizing disruptions to passenger flights.
Also Read: Monster Typhoon Ragasa Wreaks Havoc Across Asia
Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department has launched an investigation, working closely with Emirates, Act Airlines, and other relevant parties to determine the cause of the accident. Early speculation points to potential factors such as adverse weather or mechanical issues, though no official statement has confirmed these theories. Emirates expressed its condolences and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
The incident marks a somber moment for Hong Kong International Airport, a critical global logistics hub. As authorities work to uncover the circumstances leading to this tragedy, the aviation community and the public await answers about what caused the deadly crash and how such incidents can be prevented in the future.
