The Airport Authority of Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) has issued a statement following an incident involving the deaths of two airport workers during a failed cargo landing attempt early this morning (20 October 2025).
Cargo aircraft flight UAE9788, which was departing from Dubai for Hong Kong, is suspected to have lost control upon landing, veering off the North Ranway and crashing into the sea as a result.
During the runway excursion; a patrol car from the Aviation Security Company Limited with two security staff was hit by the aircraft whilst carrying out patrolling duty, with the car then also falling into the sea.
Whilst the four crew members onboard the cargo flight were successfully recovered, the staff within the control car were unable to be saved, with one certified dead at the scene and the second certified dead at the hospital.
Due to the incident, the airport’s North Runway has been temporarily closed. Flight operations remain unchanged on both the airport’s Centre and South Runways.
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has stated that the safety design of the airport’s runway and apron fully comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standards, with weather and operational conditions also claimed to have met safety standards when the plane landed.
AAHK has expressed deep condolences over the fatal incident, and will provide the families with any and all necessary support. The Authority has also stated it will fully cooperate with the Civil Aviation Department, Air Accident Investigation Authority, Fire Services Department and Police in the relevant investigations.
At this time, the North Runway will remain closed until the appropriate safety assessments have been conducted.
