Cargo catches fire moments before plane takes off at Hong Kong airport

Dramatic footage has captured the moment cargo being loaded on an American Airlines plane caught fire at Hong Kong international airport overnight.

The blaze broke out around 5.30pm local time (8.30pm AEDT) yesterday, The Standard newspaper said.

An airport worker escaping the scene was injured.

Footage shows flames pouring out from the back of the aircraft and smoke billowing out onto the tarmac.

The flight, which was bound for Los Angeles, was cancelled, The Standard said, citing American Airlines' website.

The fire was extinguished and an investigation is underway.

With Reuters