Hong Kong Airlines Jet Declares Mayday After Taipei Runway Closure

A Hong Kong Airlines aircraft issued a mayday call over fuel concerns after being forced into an extended holding pattern above Taipei when a runway closure disrupted arrivals at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

The incident occurred on Sunday Feb. 8 evening after debris left on the runway from an earlier landing incident prompted air traffic controllers to temporarily suspend operations. Hong Kong Airlines confirmed that the crew of flight HX260, an Airbus Airbus A330‑300 operating from Hong Kong to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, requested priority landing clearance on safety grounds as fuel levels declined.

Audio recordings circulating online captured the flight crew issuing three mayday calls at around 7pm local time, with the pilot advising air traffic control of a fuel emergency. The aircraft eventually landed safely at 7.15pm, nearly an hour after its scheduled arrival time of 6.20pm. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.

HX260 was not the only aircraft affected. Two EVA Air flights encountered similar circumstances while holding above the airport. EVA Air flight BR392 declared mayday at 6.52pm, followed by flight BR007 at 6.57pm, with both crews citing fuel concerns as the holding pattern extended.

A mayday call is the highest-level international distress signal used in aviation and indicates a situation of serious and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance. Such calls are typically associated with critical emergencies, including engine failure, onboard fire, or loss of control, but can also be issued when fuel reserves approach minimum safety thresholds.

The disruption stemmed from an earlier incident involving T’way Airlines flight TW687 from Jeju, South Korea. The Boeing 737-800 experienced a tyre detachment during landing at 3.52pm, scattering debris across the airport’s north runway. While no injuries were reported, the debris forced the runway to close for inspection and cleanup, affecting at least 14 flights during a peak arrival period. The runway reopened at 5.35pm, but residual congestion led to prolonged delays for inbound aircraft.

A spokesperson for Hong Kong Airlines said the aircraft was instructed to enter a holding pattern as a result of the runway closure. As the delay continued, the flight crew conducted a fuel assessment and, in line with standard safety procedures, notified air traffic control of the situation and requested priority handling.

The airline said the aircraft landed with fuel reserves still within regulatory safety limits and emphasised that the crew acted appropriately and conservatively under the circumstances. It added that the company supports the professional judgment exercised by the pilots and thanked passengers for their cooperation during the delay.

Hong Kong Airlines also said it would cooperate fully with authorities in any follow-up investigation. The incident highlights how runway disruptions can rapidly escalate into operational challenges during busy periods, underscoring the importance of decisive crew action and coordination between airlines and air traffic control to maintain safety margins.

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