Hong Kong airport and rescue officials have reiterated their confidence that the airport, recognized as one of the world's busiest and safest, was not at fault in a recent cargo plane incident. As investigations continue, authorities emphasize that all standard procedures were followed during the tragic event. During a press conference, Steven Yiu, the head of airport operations at the Hong Kong Airport Authority, addressed concerns regarding potential errors by air traffic controllers.
In response to a reporter's inquiry about possible miscommunication from air traffic control, Yiu pointed to a detailed map of the runway layout. He clarified that the route taken by the cargo plane was not typical, and highlighted the presence of illuminated signs designed to guide aircraft exiting the runway. Specifically, the incident involved Runway 07L, and Yiu assured that there is currently no indication that the guiding signs were malfunctioning or turned off at the time of the incident.
Officials assert that the cargo plane received the correct instructions during its approach. Yiu also noted that a patrol car was positioned outside the runway fence, affirming that there was no runway intrusion that contributed to the incident. Investigators are exploring various aspects of the crash, including the possibility of a criminal probe, but emphasize that the airport's operational protocols were adhered to.
The crash occurred at approximately 03:50 local time (19:50 GMT), a period typically characterized by high cargo flight activity at Hong Kong International Airport. This airport has maintained its status as the world's busiest air cargo hub and reported a significant increase in traffic — approximately 429,000 tonnes in September, up by 5.6% from the previous year. The historical significance of aviation in Hong Kong has been underscored recently, as local authorities celebrated the centenary of the city's airport development.
The aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing 747-481 (BDSF), originally designed for passenger service but later converted into a freighter. With over 30 years in operation, the plane had its inaugural flight in 1993 and has been utilized by several airlines, including Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Saudi Arabian Airlines, now known as Saudia. On the day of the crash, it was being operated as Emirates SkyCargo Flight 9788, having departed from Dubai and arrived at Hong Kong International Airport shortly before the incident.
In a devastating turn of events, the cargo plane skidded off the runway and into the sea, resulting in the tragic deaths of two airport ground staff members. According to a statement from the Civil Aviation department, the Emirates flight EK9788 collided with a vehicle on the north runway, causing the personnel to fall into the water. Although they were promptly rescued, local media, including RTHK, reported that both individuals succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
In light of this incident, the Airport Authority has scheduled a press conference for 10:00 local time (02:00 GMT) to provide further updates and insights. Stay tuned for live coverage and more details as they emerge.
