Airport Authority’s Statement on North Runway Aircraft Incident<BR>Expressing Deep Condolences over the Death of Two Airport Staff

(Hong Kong, 20 October 2025, 1230hrs) – At 0353hrs today, a cargo aircraft flight UAE9788, carrying four crew members, departing from Dubai for Hong Kong, was suspected to have lost control upon landing and veered off the North Runway. The aircraft crashed through the fence into the sea.

At the time of the runway excursion, a patrol car from the Aviation Security Company Limited with two airport security staff was carrying out patrolling duty on the perimeter road outside the runway zone. The patrol car fell into the waters after being hit by the aircraft.

The Airport Emergency Centre was activated and rescue operations commenced immediately. Fire services rescued the crew from the cargo aircraft to safety. The security staff found in the patrol car underwater sadly did not survive the incident. One was certified dead at the scene and the other was certified dead at the hospital.

Due to the incident, the North Runway has been closed temporarily. With the Centre and South Runways operational, flight operations are unaffected.

The safety design of the airport’s runway and apron fully complies with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standards. The weather and operational conditions at the time of the incident met the safety standards when the aircraft landed, according to information available.

The airport security patrol cars are part of the security operation off the North Runway area, including the North Perimeter Road, ensuring timely response in the event of incidents at any time. At the time of the incident, the two airport security staff were keeping watch at a designated observation post in accordance with established procedures. The two staff had worked at the airport for seven and 12 years respectively. Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) extends deep condolences over the fatal incident and will provide the families with all necessary support.

AAHK will fully cooperate with Civil Aviation Department, Air Accident Investigation Authority, Fire Services Department and Police in the relevant investigations. As the investigation is ongoing, AAHK and relevant authorities will conduct safety assessments before deciding on the reopening time of the North Runway.