Two south Korea-Bound flights return to Hong Kong Airport after mechanical issues

Two flights departing from Hong Kong International Airport were forced to return within an hour of each other on August 18, 2025, due to mechanical issues. No injuries were reported in either incident.

The first incident involved T’way Air flight TW664, an Airbus A330-300 bound for Seoul Incheon Airport. According to Flightradar24.com, the flight took off at 1:36 AM but circled for over 30 minutes due to a suspected landing gear malfunction that prevented retraction. The aircraft safely returned to Hong Kong at approximately 2:50 AM.

The second incident involved HK Express flight UO676, an Airbus A321-200 heading to Jeju. The flight departed at 2:42 AM and circled east of Hong Kong for about 15 minutes due to a cabin pressurization issue. It safely landed back at the airport at 3:33 AM.