A freighter flight EK9788, operated by Turkish cargo carrier Air ACT Cargo on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo, experienced a runway excursion while landing on the North Runway at Hong Kong International Airport (VHHH) around 3:50 AM local time on Monday morning. The incident involved a Boeing 747-400 freighter, which veered off the runway after touchdown and ended up partially in the sea.
Collision with Airport Patrol Vehicle
According to reports, the aircraft veered left approximately 5,000 feet from the runway threshold after touchdown on Runway 07L. The aircraft breached the airport perimeter and collided with an airport patrol vehicle located outside the runway area. The impact reportedly pushed the vehicle into the sea, resulting in the death of two airport security personnel.
One security staff member, aged 30, was pulled from the sea by rescue divers and confirmed dead at the scene at 5:55 AM. The other, aged 41, was transported to North Lantau Hospital but was confirmed dead at 6:26 AM.
Emergency response teams immediately arrived at the scene. The aircraft came to rest partially in the water beyond the runway’s end, with its tail severed as it entered the sea. All four crew members aboard the aircraft escaped unharmed and were rescued from the sea shortly after the incident.
Flight and Aircraft Details
- Airline: Air ACT Cargo (Turkish cargo carrier operating for Emirates SkyCargo)
- Flight Number: EK9788
- Aircraft Type: Boeing 747-481(BDSF) freighter
- Registration: TC-ACF
- Aircraft Age: 32 years old (delivered to ANA in 1993, converted to cargo in 2011)
- Route: Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) to Hong Kong International Airport (VHHH)
- Incident Location: North Runway 07L, Hong Kong International Airport
- Time: Approximately 3:50 AM local time (Monday, October 20, 2025)
The cargo aircraft was operating a freight service from Dubai to Hong Kong when the accident occurred. According to Hong Kong Airport Authority, the weather and runway were safe for operation at the time, and the cargo plane never signaled any issue before veering left halfway down the north runway.
Airport Operations Impact
The North Runway was temporarily closed following the incident for recovery and investigation operations. However, Hong Kong International Airport operates three runways, and both the center and south runways remained open. The airport reported that it did not anticipate significant impact on operations due to the availability of the other runways.
Authorities Launch Investigation
The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the runway excursion. The aircraft was traveling at approximately 90 knots over the ground as it veered off the runway toward the sea wall, with speed data showing it was at 49 knots as it hit the water.
Air ACT Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo Statement
Air ACT Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo expressed condolences to the families of the deceased security officers and stated that they are cooperating fully with authorities in the ongoing investigation. Emirates SkyCargo began wet leasing two Boeing 747s from Air ACT in summer 2024.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event at Hong Kong International Airport and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims,” the companies stated.
Aviation Safety Context
This incident raises renewed concern about runway excursions, one of the most frequent types of aircraft accidents globally. Hong Kong International Airport, built on reclaimed land off Lantau Island and surrounded by the South China Sea, has both its main runways extending close to the water’s edge. This geography makes it particularly vulnerable to runway excursions.
As the world’s busiest international cargo airport, Hong Kong handled approximately 4.9 million tonnes of cargo in 2024—around 30% more than the next-busiest airport at Shanghai Pudong.
Conclusion
The fatal runway excursion involving Air ACT Cargo flight EK9788 serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in aviation operations, even at highly advanced airports like Hong Kong International. The findings from the investigation are expected to contribute to future improvements in runway safety and operational procedures worldwide.
By Aeropeep Team
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