The Emirates SkyCargo plane operated by ACT Airlines crashes off the Hong Kong runway on October 20, 2025.

A cargo plane flying from Dubai to Hong Kong skidded off the runway and plunged into the sea while landing at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday (October 20), killing two ground workers, local media reported. Photos showed the Boeing 747 cargo jet partially submerged in the water, its nose and tail section separated, and an escape slide deployed near the sea wall. The aircraft — operating as Emirates SkyCargo flight EK9788 but operated by Turkish carrier ACT Airlines — had no cargo onboard. All four crew members were rescued and received medical treatment. “Crew are confirmed to be safe and there was no cargo onboard,” Emirates said in a statement, adding condolences to the families of the two airport staff who died. The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department confirmed the incident occurred around 3:50am, saying the aircraft had “deviated from the north runway after landing and ditched into the sea.” The department said the case was reported to the Air Accident Investigation Authority, which has launched an inquiry. FlightRadar24 data revealed the aircraft was 32 years old, originally built as a passenger jet before being converted into a freighter. ICA/Expat Media
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