HONG KONG— A Hong Kong Airlines (HX) flight experienced a taxiway conflict with a Hainan Airlines (HU) aircraft at Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) following its landing on Friday (July 25, 2025), sparking safety concerns over possible air traffic control miscommunication.
Flight HX252, arriving from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), encountered Hainan Airlines flight HU7987 head-on during taxiing, prompting the need for a tow vehicle to guide the aircraft to its designated parking bay.
Hong Kong Airlines; Photo- FlickrHong Kong Airlines Incident at the Taipei Runway
The incident occurred at approximately 11:10 a.m. local time after Hong Kong Airlines flight HX252, an Airbus A320 carrying 161 passengers and seven crew members, landed safely at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).
During post-landing taxiing, the aircraft unexpectedly encountered another plane—Hainan Airlines flight HU7987, which had just arrived from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).
According to Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAA), preliminary findings suggest that the Hong Kong Airlines aircraft was directed toward an incorrect taxiway by air traffic controllers.
As a result, both planes found themselves facing each other, leading to an operational standstill on the apron.
Contrary to initial media reports in Taiwan alleging the aircraft had landed on the wrong runway, Hong Kong Airlines released a statement denying any deviation from instructed procedures.
The airline emphasized that flight HX252 was taxiing “in accordance with the air control tower’s instruction” and was later relocated using a tow truck under revised guidance from the control tower.
Hong Kong Airlines; Photo- FlickrStatement from Hong Kong Airlines
In its official statement, Hong Kong Airlines confirmed that the aircraft followed all tower instructions and was later towed to its designated parking area after updated directions from ground control. The airline reported no injuries or damage and is fully cooperating with aviation authorities.
“We will follow safety procedures to report the case to the [Hong Kong] Civil Aviation Department,” the airline stated. The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department acknowledged the report and assured that it would monitor the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration has initiated a formal inquiry into the matter and reminded air traffic personnel to ensure accuracy in routing instructions to prevent future incidents. The situation underscores the critical importance of precise communication in busy airport environments.
Taoyuan Airport, Taipei, Taiwan; Photo- WikipediaTaoyuan Airport Sees Peak Summer Traffic
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is one of East Asia’s busiest aviation hubs, particularly during the July–August summer season.
The airport recently projected handling an average of 651 flights per day and an estimated 8.53 million passengers during this period.
With high aircraft movement and dense traffic on taxiways and aprons, the need for stringent ground operations protocols is elevated. The incident involving Hong Kong Airlines and Hainan Airlines has brought renewed attention to operational safety and air traffic coordination at the airport.
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