The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has temporarily closed the North Runway at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) from 08:00 local time to facilitate the complex recovery of a cargo aircraft that crashed into the sea on 20 October, tragically killing two airport security personnel.
AAHK confirmed that the recovery and lifting operation is expected to take several days and involves close coordination with multiple agencies and specialist salvage teams.
Complex Recovery Operation Underway
The recovery effort is being led by AAHK in collaboration with the Guangzhou Salvage Bureau, supported by Chu Kong Passenger Transport Company Limited.
Two professional lift vessels — Nan Tian Xiang and Nan Tian Peng — have been deployed for the operation. With maximum lifting capacities of 350 and 500 tonnes respectively, the vessels are carrying specialized recovery equipment and a crew of approximately 80 professionals, including divers, machinists, engineers, and boatmen.
The ships are expected to arrive in waters adjacent to HKIA within the next two days, where they will begin the delicate process of retrieving the wreckage.
Details of the Incident
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of 20 October, when the cargo aircraft skidded off the runway during landing. The aircraft breached the perimeter fencing and collided with an airport patrol vehicle, forcing it into the sea.
Two airport security officers who were inside the patrol car lost their lives in the accident.
Steven Yiu, Executive Director of Airport Operations at AAHK, explained that the patrol car had been operating on a service road outside the runway fencing at the time of the collision.
“The aircraft veered away from the runway, breached the fencing, and collided with the vehicle, pushing it into the sea,” said Yiu.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures
AAHK said it is working closely with the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and other relevant authorities to support the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash.
The authority added that safety remains the top priority, and the recovery operation is being conducted with “the utmost care and precision” to ensure the safety of all personnel involved and to minimize disruption to airport operations.
AAHK expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the two staff members who lost their lives and confirmed that additional support measures are being provided to affected employees.
About Airport Authority Hong Kong
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) is the statutory body responsible for the operation and development of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). Recognized as one of the world’s busiest international cargo and passenger hubs, HKIA plays a vital role in global aviation and logistics connectivity.