Private jet flap scare triggers ‘local standby’ at Hong Kong airport

A mechanical fault on a private jet triggered a precautionary “local standby” at Hong Kong’s airport on Thursday, with the aircraft later landing safely.

The Gulfstream G650 reported a flap problem at around 5.21pm, with an estimated time of arrival of 5.53pm, prompting the Fire Services Department and other airport rescue units to deploy personnel to strategic positions along the runway in readiness for immediate assistance.

An ambulance was also dispatched as part of the initial emergency response, authorities said. Emergency vehicles attended the scene primarily to monitor for overheated brakes.

A flap issue on an aircraft of this class usually indicates that the wing’s high‑lift surfaces did not move to their normal landing setting, potentially due to a sensor or system fault.