When Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of The Emirates Group, lost control of its Boeing 777F on the morning of 20 October 2025, the aircraft skidded off a runway at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and plunged into the sea, killing two crew members. The crash happened at approximately 08:30 am Hong Kong Time (00:30 UTC), right in the middle of the airport’s busiest cargo‑flight window.
Background: HKIA and Emirates SkyCargo
HKIA, situated on Chek Lap Kok Island, handles more than 4.2 million metric tonnes of cargo each year and sits on the world’s top‑10 cargo airports list. Managed by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) under Chief Executive Fred Lam Tin‑fuk, the hub operates two parallel 3,800‑metre runways that sit right next to the open water—an arrangement that makes a runway overrun especially hazardous.
Emirates SkyCargo runs a fleet of eleven Boeing 777F freighters, each capable of hauling up to 102 tonnes over intercontinental routes. The airline’s revenue hit US$2.1 billion in 2024, and its Hong Kong‑to‑Europe corridor is one of the most heavily trafficked in the region. The Boeing 777F in question was reportedly crewed by two senior loadmasters, though their identities have not yet been released.
Incident Details
According to video footage aired by France 24 English and Pakistani broadcaster SAMAA TV, the aircraft touched down on runway 07R, tried to brake, and then veered left, sliding across the runway surface before breaking through the perimeter fence. Within seconds, the plane’s nose dipped into the harbour waters just beyond the runway’s edge.
- Time: 08:30 am HKT (00:30 UTC)
- Aircraft: Boeing 777F (tail number unknown)
- Crew casualties: 2 dead, no survivors
- Runway: 07R/25L, 3,800 m long, 60 m wide
- Weather: Not reported, but October in Hong Kong averages 160 mm rainfall and high humidity
Witnesses described a loud screeching of tires followed by a roar as the plane hit the water. Emergency services from the Hong Kong SAR Fire Service quickly arrived, but the aircraft sank within minutes, limiting rescue chances.
Official Responses
The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) confirmed that an investigation is under way, with Director General Simon Wong pledging a full safety review in line with ICAO requirements. A press release from AAHK said the affected runway would be closed for at least 12 hours while investigators and salvage crews secure the wreckage.
Emirates SkyCargo has not issued a formal statement yet, but the company’s President, Tim Clark, is expected to address the incident in an upcoming shareholders’ briefing.
Impact on Operations
HKIA handles roughly 5,000 cargo flights each week; the temporary runway shutdown forced airlines to reroute flights to the parallel runway 07L, creating a bottleneck that delayed over 200 departures and arrivals. Cargo forwarders reported a “significant backlog” in the precious‑goods segment, especially for time‑sensitive electronics bound for Europe.
Financial analysts note that while the incident will not dramatically dent Emirates SkyCargo’s annual earnings, the loss of a high‑value aircraft (estimated at US$150 million) and the potential for regulatory fines could affect its profit margin for the quarter.
Investigation and Future Steps
CAD’s investigation team will examine flight data recorders, cockpit voice recordings, and runway surface conditions. Past runway excursions at HKIA have often been linked to wet runway contamination or braking‑system anomalies. However, early satellite images showed clear skies, suggesting weather may not have been a factor.
ICAO’s Annex 6 stipulates that preliminary findings be released within 30 days, and a final report is expected within six months. The findings could prompt revisions to braking‑system checks for high‑weight freighters or even design changes to runway safety areas.
Historical Context
The last fatal cargo accident at HKIA occurred in 2010 when a UPS Airlines Airbus A300 crashed during take‑off, killing both crew members. Since then, the airport has maintained a strong safety record, thanks in part to the implementation of the Runway Safety Area (RSA) and advanced surface‑movement radar.
Globally, 2025 has already seen three cargo‑plane incidents, underscoring the growing pressures on aging freight fleets and the need for robust safety oversight.
Key Takeaways
- Two crew members lost their lives when an Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 777F slid off runway 07R at HKIA.
- Investigation led by Hong Kong’s CAD, with preliminary results due in a month.
- Runway closure disrupted thousands of cargo movements, highlighting the hub’s vulnerability.
- The incident revives debate over runway‑end safety zones in airports built on reclaimed land.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the crash affect cargo shipments from Hong Kong?
With runway 07R shut for cleanup, airlines diverted flights to runway 07L, causing delays for more than 200 cargo flights. Shippers of time‑critical goods, especially electronics bound for Europe, reported a backlog that could push delivery times by 12‑24 hours.
What is the likely cause of the runway excursion?
Investigators will look at brake‑system performance, runway surface conditions, and possible pilot input errors. Early satellite imagery showed dry weather, so a mechanical failure is a leading theory, though the final cause will be confirmed after data‑recorder analysis.
Who are the main agencies conducting the investigation?
The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department, headed by Director General Simon Wong, leads the probe, supported by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority of the UAE (where the aircraft is registered) and the Boeing safety team.
Will Emirates SkyCargo’s operations be suspended?
Emirates SkyCargo has not announced a full suspension. The airline plans to replace the lost aircraft with another 777F from its pool, and it is expected to resume normal Hong Kong services once the runway re‑opens and investigations clear the aircraft’s operational status.
What safety measures could prevent a similar accident?
Experts suggest extending runway safety areas, installing additional arresting systems for heavy freighters, and mandating more frequent brake‑system inspections. HKIA is already reviewing its RSA standards in light of the incident.
