Japan-bound flight returns over landing gear problem

A Hong Kong Airlines flight, en route to Okinawa in Japan, made an emergency return to Hong Kong International Airport on Sunday morning. The aircraft, designated HX676, encountered a suspected issue with its landing gear failing to retract fully following take-off. The aircraft turned back and landed at the airport at 10.06am, approximately an hour after it had initially departed.

In accordance with standard safety protocols, the flight operator informed that no passengers or crew members sustained injuries. The airline subsequently initiated an inspection of the plane. For the approximately 160 passengers affected by the delay, an alternative flight was promptly arranged. This replacement aircraft touched down at Naha Airport in Okinawa at 3.30pm Japan time, resulting in a two-and-a-half hour delay from the originally scheduled arrival time.

The airline extended apologies to the passengers for the inconvenience caused, further affirming its commitment to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities during their investigation into the incident.