Plane crash at Hong Kong Airport: Emirates SkyCargo flight EK9788 plunges into sea; two dead, runway closed
A pre-dawn cargo landing at Hong Kong International Airport turned catastrophic on Monday, when Emirates SkyCargo flight EK9788 veered off the runway and came to rest in the adjacent waters. The aircraft, a Boeing 747 operated on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo, struck a ground service vehicle during the excursion. Two ground staff were confirmed dead in the immediate aftermath. All four crew members on the freighter were rescued; medical assessments were ongoing at publication time. Recent updates indicate the situation remains active as authorities secure the site and recover debris, and details may evolve.
Hong Kong airport incident: what happened and when
Airport operations data and initial official statements outline a rapid sequence shortly before dawn:
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Local time: Approximately 3:50–3:53 a.m. HKT, Monday, 20 October 2025
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Flight: EK9788 (UAE9788), cargo service arriving from Dubai (Al Maktoum International)
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Aircraft: Boeing 747-400 freighter (BDSF), operated by a contracted cargo carrier for Emirates SkyCargo
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Sequence: Runway landing → runway excursion → impact with a ground service vehicle → aircraft overran the paved surface and became partially submerged in the waters beyond the runway safety area
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Casualties: Two ground personnel deceased; four crew recovered alive
Photos shared from the scene show the fuselage resting near the shoreline with the tail section separated from the main body, consistent with a high-energy breakup after the overrun.
EK9788 crash impact on Hong Kong Airport operations
Hong Kong’s airport authority closed the northern runway to support rescue and recovery. As of the latest update, the central and southern runways remain open, allowing limited continuity for passenger operations. Cargo flows are more heavily affected: multiple freighter movements have been canceled or rerouted, and carriers are working through slot adjustments to relieve congestion.
Travelers transiting Hong Kong today should expect delays, gate changes, and potential baggage timing issues, even on flights that depart from the two open runways. Aviation ground handling is stretched by the ongoing emergency response, and crews may need to reposition equipment typically staged near the closed area. Airlines are advising passengers to monitor their flight status and plan for extended connection buffers.
At-a-glance: today’s operational picture (subject to change)
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Northern runway | Closed for emergency & recovery |
| Central & southern runways | Open with flow restrictions |
| Passenger flights | Largely operating, expect delays |
| Cargo flights | Cancellations/reroutes in effect |
| Terminal access | Open; restricted zones near airfield perimeter |
What we know about the aircraft and operator
EK9788 is a cargo-only service. The aircraft involved is a Boeing 747-400 BDSF (a converted freighter). The flight departed Al Maktoum International (Dubai) and was on final arrival into Hong Kong when the runway excursion occurred. Early airport updates indicated the aircraft struck a ground vehicle on or adjacent to the landing surface before leaving the paved area. The impact appears to have caused severe structural damage aft of the wing, consistent with the tail separation seen at the scene.
Investigators will examine flight data and cockpit voice recorders, runway friction and surface conditions, braking performance, touchdown point, approach stability, and airfield vehicle movements and clearances leading up to the collision.
Causes and investigation: what officials will probe next
While it is too early to assign cause, investigators typically pursue several threads in a case like EK9788:
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Approach and touchdown profile: speed, glidepath, autobrake settings, thrust reverser deployment, crosswind and gust data.
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Runway environment: surface contamination, lighting, NOTAMs, any temporary works, and vehicle positioning/clearances.
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Human factors: crew workload on night arrival, fatigue considerations, checklist discipline, and radio communications with tower and ground.
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Aircraft systems: brake and spoiler performance, thrust reversers, steering, and any alerts recorded on the quick access recorder.
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Airside safety management: procedures governing vehicle access to active movement areas and real-time monitoring to prevent incursions.
Authorities have signaled that a formal inquiry is underway, with interim findings expected once recorders are downloaded and the wreckage survey is complete.
Guidance for travelers and logistics planners
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Passengers: Build extra time into itineraries through Hong Kong today and tomorrow. If you hold a tight connection, contact your airline for rebooking options.
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Shippers: Expect knock-on delays across regional cargo networks, including temporary backlogs for perishables and e-commerce shipments normally routed through Hong Kong. Alternative uplift via Shenzhen, Guangzhou, or Taipei may be used by some operators until runway capacity fully normalizes.
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Crews and handlers: Be alert for temporary stand guidance changes, remote stands, and revised pushback procedures near the impacted operating surfaces.
What’s next
Salvage teams must stabilize the airframe, recover recorders, and clear debris before the northern runway can reopen. A preliminary update from investigators typically arrives within 48–72 hours in comparable cases, followed by a more detailed preliminary report within weeks. Until then, the headline facts remain: two ground staff have died, the EK9788 crew survived, and Hong Kong International Airport is operating on reduced runway capacity while the response and investigation proceed.
