A cargo aircraft veered off a runway at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday morning, ultimately coming to rest in the sea. The incident resulted in the deaths of two airport ground staff members. Four crew members on board the plane survived.
Key Takeaways
- An Emirates cargo flight, operated by Air ACT, skidded off a runway at Hong Kong International Airport.
- The incident occurred at approximately 03:50 local time, resulting in the closure of the north runway.
- Two airport ground staff died after falling into the sea during the incident.
- Four crew members aboard the Boeing 747-481 survived and received hospital treatment.
- The incident led to the cancellation of at least 11 cargo flights.
Details of the Runway Incident
The event took place at Hong Kong International Airport, located at Chek Lap Kok. The aircraft involved was Emirates flight EK9788, a Boeing 747-481. This plane is owned and operated by Turkish cargo airline Air ACT.
The cargo flight was arriving from Dubai. It was approximately 03:50 local time (19:50 GMT) when the aircraft encountered a vehicle on the airport's north runway. This contact caused the plane to depart from the runway surface.
Following the impact, the aircraft continued off the runway. It then entered the adjacent sea. The specific details of the vehicle involved and its position on the runway are part of ongoing investigations.
Casualties and Survivor Status
A statement from the Civil Aviation Department confirmed that two airport ground staff members fell into the sea during the incident. Rescue efforts were immediately launched. Both individuals were recovered from the water.
However, local media, including public broadcaster RTHK, later reported, citing police, that these two staff members died after being taken to the hospital. Their identities have not been publicly released at this time.
The four crew members who were on board the cargo plane survived the incident. They were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. Their conditions have not been detailed, but they are reported to be alive.
"Two airport ground staff fell into the sea. They were rescued but later died in hospital," a local media report stated, quoting police sources.
Airport Operations and Emergency Response
Immediately after the incident, the affected north runway at Hong Kong International Airport was closed. This closure was necessary to facilitate emergency response, recovery operations, and initial investigations.
Despite the closure of one runway, the airport's other two runways remained operational. This allowed for the continued flow of air traffic, albeit with some adjustments and potential delays.
Key Fact
Hong Kong International Airport typically operates with three runways. The closure of one runway impacts flight scheduling but does not halt all airport operations.Hong Kong's Government Flying Service quickly deployed helicopters to the area above the affected runway. These aircraft assisted in the search and rescue efforts. Vessels from the Fire Services Department also participated in the water rescue operations.
The Airport Authority announced that a press conference would be held at 10:00 local time (02:00 GMT). This briefing was expected to provide further details regarding the incident and the airport's response.
Impact on Flight Schedule
The incident led to disruptions in the airport's flight schedule. According to the Airport Authority's website, at least 11 cargo flights that were initially scheduled to arrive at Hong Kong International Airport on Monday were cancelled.
These cancellations highlight the operational challenges posed by a runway closure, especially for an airport that handles a significant volume of cargo traffic. Passengers and cargo operators were advised to check flight statuses.
Aviation Safety Context
Hong Kong International Airport has maintained a strong safety record over the years. Incidents of this nature, involving a plane skidding off a runway, are considered rare for the facility. This event marks a significant occurrence in the airport's operational history.Investigation Underway
Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the incident. This will involve examining various factors, including air traffic control communications, aircraft maintenance records, weather conditions, and runway safety protocols.
Investigators will also analyze the interaction between the aircraft and the ground vehicle. Understanding this sequence of events is critical to determining the root cause and preventing future occurrences.
The Civil Aviation Department, in coordination with other relevant agencies, will lead this investigation. The findings will likely inform future safety recommendations for airport operations and ground handling procedures.
- Investigation Focus: Air traffic control, vehicle presence on runway, aircraft performance.
- Agencies Involved: Civil Aviation Department, Airport Authority, emergency services.
- Outcome: Expected to result in safety recommendations and operational adjustments.
The aviation community will closely monitor the investigation's progress. Such incidents, while infrequent, provide important lessons for enhancing safety standards across global airports.
