North Runway Restored and Reopens

(Hong Kong, 21 October 2025, 1830hrs) – Hong Kong International Airport’s North Runway, temporarily closed after the cargo aircraft incident yesterday, has been reopened at around 1620hrs today. The North Runway has been put on standby mode, with availability subject to air traffic control, to facilitate the removal of the aircraft from the sea.

After the cargo aircraft veered off the North Runway upon landing yesterday, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has been fully engaged in recovery efforts. The airport’s North Runway had been temporarily closed to facilitate rescue and on-site evidence collection.

The rescue operation was completed at around noon yesterday, while the relevant authorities also finished collecting evidence at around 1600hrs on the same day. AAHK immediately started the clean-up and restoration work on the North Runway, including replacing the damaged fences on the side of the runway, runway lights and other facilities, as well as repairing and clearing the runway’s surface, among others. The essential restoration work of the North Runway and its related facilities were also completed early this morning. AAHK, together with Civil Aviation Department, inspected the site and confirmed the runway is safe for operations and reopening.

As the aircraft remains in the waters adjacent to the runway, the North Runway will be temporarily on standby mode, so as to facilitate the removal operation. AAHK is coordinating the removal operation, including contacting the aircraft’s owner and preparing the necessary equipment, such as large cranes and vessels.