Japan-bound flight returns over landing gear problem

A Hong Kong Airlines flight destined for Okinawa, Japan, made an unscheduled return to its departure airport on Sunday morning, Sunday 9th of June 2024, due to concerns over its landing gear possibly not retracting fully after takeoff. According to the flight tracking website FlightAware, the aircraft, flight HX676, turned back and landed at Hong Kong International Airport at 10:06am, roughly an hour after its departure from Hong Kong.

The airline disclosed that the return was in line with its standard safety protocols. No passengers or crew members sustained any injuries during the incident. The plane subsequently underwent a detailed inspection. An alternate flight was subsequently arranged for the approximately 160 passengers who were inconvenienced by the delay.

The replacement flight touched down at Naha Airport in Okinawa at around 3:30pm Japan time, resulting in a delay of about two-and-a-half hours from the original timetable. The airline issued an apology to the affected passengers for the inconvenience, emphasizing its commitment to full cooperation with the authorities as they investigate the incident.