On October 20, 2025, Emirates SkyCargo Flight EK9788, a Boeing 747-400 freighter operated by Turkish carrier ACT Airlines, skidded off the northern runway of Hong Kong International Airport during landing from Dubai. The aircraft collided with an airport security patrol vehicle on the runway, which was subsequently pushed into the sea along with the partially submerged plane. Tragically, two ground security personnel, aged 30 and 41, lost their lives—one pronounced dead at the scene and the other passing away shortly after hospital transfer. The four crew members aboard the plane escaped with minor injuries and were hospitalized for treatment.

The accident, one of the deadliest in the airport’s history since its 1998 opening, led to the immediate closure of the north runway while other runways remain operational. Authorities have confirmed that weather and runway conditions were normal at landing, and no emergency alerts were issued by the aircraft before the incident.

Visual footage showed the plane’s nose remaining docked near the shore while the tail section was detached and submerged. Rescue efforts involving divers and multiple emergency services were swiftly deployed. The Civil Aviation Department and Hong Kong Police are conducting an investigation, assessing all factors including the airplane’s departure from the runway and the circumstances leading to the vehicle collision.

Airport operations are significantly affected, with at least 11 cargo flights canceled following the incident. Emirates confirmed the aircraft was wet leased under ACT Airlines, meaning the latter provided crew, maintenance, and insurance services.

This devastating crash underscores the risks involved in aviation cargo operations at one of Asia’s busiest airports and raises questions about runway safety protocols and vehicle coordination during aircraft landings. Further updates will emerge as investigations proceed.