Hong Kong Airport aims to reopen north runway within the week: Mable Chan 

Authorities aim to reopen the north runway of Hong Kong International Airport within the week, following a fatal incident on Monday (Oct 20) where a cargo plane veered off and plunged into the sea.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan urged relevant departments to cooperate with the investigation fully and expects a preliminary report to be released within a month.

She noted that flight departures and arrivals were not affected by the incident, as the south and middle runways continue to operate.

The transport chief confirmed that the weather was clear when the aircraft skidded off the runway, which was also under normal operating conditions.

She stated that air traffic controllers had also maintained normal communication with the aircraft during the accident. The two airport security staff members who were killed had been conducting a routine inspection.

Meanwhile, the Airport Authority noted that salvage operations will begin once the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) completes its on-site evidence collection, taking into account weather conditions and other factors.

Emergency inspections and repairs will be carried out on the damaged north runway, to restore it to service within this week.

Chan expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased and emphasized that the safe operation of the airport is the top priority. She has also required all airport units to conduct comprehensive reviews.