Atlas Air Experiences Third Incident This Month, Disrupts Hong Kong Airport Operations

Atlas Air has encountered its third aircraft incident this month, leading to significant disruptions at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The latest incident involved a hydraulic failure on an Atlas 747-400F, which was en route from Hong Kong to Chicago via Anchorage. The failure prompted an emergency return and landing at HKIA, which resulted in the aircraft bursting several tires upon touchdown. This incident led to the temporary closure of one of the airport’s runways, delaying approximately 186 flights.

The Atlas Air aircraft originally took off at 4:10 AM but had to circle back to Hong Kong after experiencing the hydraulic issue near Taiwan. Upon landing two hours later, the disabled aircraft obstructed the runway for several hours due to the hydraulic failure, which made it impossible to move. The Aviation Herald reported that the aircraft burst “a number of tyres” during the landing.

HKIA managed to resume dual-runway operations by 3:45 PM local time after temporarily relocating flights to the north runway due to suspected tire fragments found on the south runway. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in the incident.

Hactl, the main cargo handler at the airport, confirmed that its operations were unaffected. The airport authority expressed significant concern over the incident and has requested a comprehensive report from Atlas Air and mandated submissions to both AAHK and the Civil Aviation Department.

This marks the third significant incident for Atlas Air in just over two weeks and the sixth this year. Among other incidents, just last Tuesday, another Atlas 747-400F experienced a hydraulic failure after taking off from Seoul on its way to Anchorage, leading to an emergency return after dumping fuel. Two weeks prior, the same aircraft made an emergency landing in Los Angeles due to a damaged tire and was grounded for nine hours.

Earlier this year, Atlas Air’s fleet faced additional troubles, including an engine fire on a 747-8F shortly after takeoff from Miami and another 747-8F that struck its engine on the runway during a landing in Anchorage. Another aircraft was hit by hail in Hong Kong at the end of April, causing further damage.

Atlas Air operates a large fleet including 51 747s, of which seven are currently parked, and six 777s, with one also parked. The average age of its 747s is 21 years, while its 777s are significantly newer, averaging six years.

This series of incidents underscores ongoing safety and operational challenges for Atlas Air, affecting not only the airline but also the broader operations of involved airports and their surrounding regions.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, theloadstar.com