HK Express flight makes emergency landing at Hong Kong airport after report of smoke in cockpit, all 47 passengers and 7 crew members unharmed
- Subsequent inspection found no smoke in aircraft, low-cost carrier said it will investigate the cause of the incident
- The Airbus A320-271N left Taipei at 1.50pm, before smoke was found during its descent into Hong Kong
A HK Express flight made an emergency landing at the Hong Kong International Airport after smoke was reported in the cockpit, the airline said on Monday.
The Airbus A320-271N aircraft left Taipei at 1.50pm for Hong Kong, and was carrying 47 passengers and seven crew members. The flight was operated by HK Express, a low-cost carrier under the Cathay Pacific Group.
In a statement issued the same day, the airline said: “HK Express confirms flight UO111 from Taipei made an emergency landing into Hong Kong International Airport at around 3:06pm [on June 27] after light smoke was found in the cockpit during its descent.
“A total of 47 passengers and seven crew were on board. All have left the aircraft safely through normal disembarkation. HK Express has immediately reported the incident to the authorities, and will conduct an investigation into the cause of the incident.
“A detailed investigation report will be submitted to the authorities.”
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The Hong Kong Airport Authority said in a statement on Monday night that it received a report from the flight UO111, requesting for the airport to be on “standby” while the plane prepared to land.
It said: “Fire services were there on standby. The plane safely landed at about 3.06pm. The operation of the airport was not affected and there was no injury in the incident.”
Hong Kong police said it received a report shortly before 3pm that there was smoke in the cabin of the aircraft.
The Fire Services Department was alerted, and at least six ambulances were dispatched. The flight eventually landed safely at the Chek Lap Kok airport.
The ambulances were stood down at about 3.18pm, after it was confirmed no one on board required medical attention, according to the department. There was no report of injury.
“The plane landed safely. Subsequent inspection found no traces of smoke in the cabin,” a police spokesman said.
According to the Airport Authority’s website, the plane arrived at the gate at 3.17pm.
