HONG KONG: A Turkish-operated cargo jet overshot the runway at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday morning, plunging into nearby waters and leaving two dead in its wake.
The Boeing 747 freighter, which had arrived from Dubai, lost control while landing around 3:50 a.m., according to local aviation authorities. Operated by ACT Airlines of Turkey under a wet lease arrangement with Dubai’s Emirates, the aircraft ended its descent disastrously, coming to rest in the sea just beyond the airport’s northern runway.
Dramatic footage broadcast by local media showed the plane’s nose and cockpit jutting out from the water, with much of the fuselage submerged. The tail section appeared to have snapped off in the impact.
Four crew members aboard the aircraft were pulled from the wreckage and transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities later confirmed that two people working in an airport ground vehicle were killed during the incident. Their identities have not yet been released.
Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department said it is investigating the crash and is in communication with both the airline and relevant parties. Emergency teams and aviation safety experts have been dispatched to the site.
Emirates, which had leased the aircraft to handle additional freight demand, stated that flight EK9788 had no cargo aboard at the time of the crash. In a statement, the airline emphasized that the aircraft and crew were provided entirely by ACT Airlines under a wet lease — an arrangement in which the leasing company is responsible for staffing, aircraft maintenance, and insurance.
The aircraft had departed from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), the Gulf emirate’s secondary airport dedicated to cargo operations. Emirates, although best known for its extensive passenger network, has ramped up its freight business in recent years, citing growing global demand. The airline has also announced major expansion plans for DWC, with a $35 billion investment earmarked for the facility’s future development.
As a result of the crash, the north runway at Hong Kong International — one of the busiest aviation hubs in Asia — remains temporarily closed. However, airport authorities confirmed that its two remaining runways are still operational and passenger flights have not been significantly impacted.
This accident marks a rare but serious incident at the highly trafficked airport, raising questions about landing protocols and runway safety during early morning hours. Aviation regulators are expected to release a preliminary report once flight data and cockpit voice recorders are recovered and analyzed.
