Passengers recall harrowing landing as HK Express flight skids off taxiway during storm

Passengers aboard a HK Express flight from Beijing took to social media to describe a terrifying landing attempt at Hong Kong International Airport on Monday morning, as Severe Tropical Storm Tapah brought fierce winds and heavy rain to the city. One passenger on Xiaohongshu described it as the “most turbulent flight” of her life.

The incident occurred at approximately 10.46am this morning while the No. 8 Southeast Gale or Storm Signal and Amber Rainstorm Warning were in effect.

Flight UO235, arriving from Beijing Daxing International Airport, safely touched down but subsequently veered off the runway while taxiing, suspected to have struck signage on the grass embankment. Witnesses reported seeing smoke from the landing gear.

A passenger posting on Xiaohongshu recounted the intense landing, stating the aircraft was blown off course by the “truly massive winds” of the typhoon.

“The wind blew the plane off, affecting the landing gear,” the user wrote. Despite the scare, the passenger expressed admiration for the pilots, saying that the pilot is “incredibly brave” for successfully landing the plane.

Another passenger lamented the one-hour wait inside the aircraft after the incident, noting many were growing impatient as they worried about being late for work.

HK Express confirmed that all 137 passengers and crew members safely disembarked the aircraft and that no injuries were reported. The airline stated that the crew followed standard procedures and coordinated with ground staff to assist passengers, for whom they apologized for any inconvenience caused.

The Airport Authority reported that the North Runway was temporarily closed for inspection but was reopened by 12.15pm. An investigation into the exact cause of the incident is ongoing.

(Marco Lam)