Cargo plane skids off Hong Kong airport runway into sea, leaving two dead.

 

Here are the key details about the accident at Hong Kong International Airport and what is currently known:

✅ What happened

A cargo aircraft, a Boeing 747‑400 (operated by ACT Airlines on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo) arrived from Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai) and landed on the airport’s north runway at about 3:50 a.m. local time on 20 October 2025. 

After touchdown, the aircraft deviated from the runway, skidded off, broke through a perimeter fence and ended up partially in the sea. 

During the excursion, it collided with a ground-vehicle — a patrol/security car — which was positioned outside the fence, not on the runway itself. 

The two occupants of that vehicle died: one at the scene, the other later in hospital. 

The four crew members of the aircraft were rescued and survived without major injuries. 

According to reports, the aircraft was not carrying cargo at the time. 

🔍 Known / potential causes and investigation

Authorities stated the weather and runway conditions were suitable for landing. 

No distress call was reported by the pilots before the excursion. 

The cause is officially being investigated by the local aviation authorities, looking into factors such as aircraft systems, operation, maintenance, runway/taxi-way condition. 

The aircraft was aged (32 years) and a converted freighter, which may factor into the investigation. 

🧭 Implications

This is the deadliest airport incident in Hong Kong in over 25 years, in terms of fatalities on the ground. 

The north runway has been closed temporarily for inspections; the other runways at the airport remain open and flight operations continue with minimal disruption. 

The incident raises questions about runway excursion risks, ground vehicle protection/positioning around active runways, and emergency response preparedness in water/adjoining sea-wall environments.