Flight EK002 Makes Precautionary Turnback
On New Year’s Eve 2025, an Emirates Airbus A380-800 flying from London Heathrow (LHR) to Dubai (DXB) made an unexpected mid-air turnback shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue, airline officials confirmed. The aircraft, registered as A6-EUF, is a nine-year-old plane in Emirates’ fleet and operates one of the airline’s key long-haul routes.
Flight EK002 departed Heathrow at 13:40 GMT (5:40 pm UAE time) on December 31, 2025, but turned back soon after due to a reported landing gear fault. The aircraft remained airborne for more than an hour before safely landing back at Runway 27R at 16:28 UTC (8:28 pm UAE time). All passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.
Airline Statement and Passenger Rebooking
In a statement, Emirates Airlines said:
“Emirates flight EK002 departed London Heathrow for Dubai as scheduled but returned shortly after takeoff due to a technical fault. The safety of passengers and crew is our top priority. All passengers will be rebooked on future Emirates flights from Heathrow.”
The airline apologised for the inconvenience, emphasizing that passenger safety and operational standards remain paramount.
Flight Tracking and Online Attention
Flight tracking data showed that the A380 circled over Orpington, Kent, for approximately two hours to safely burn off fuel before landing. The incident quickly attracted global attention online, with Flightradar24 reporting EK2 as one of the most-tracked flights worldwide at the time.
Travel expert Simon Calder tweeted about the incident, noting that the 500 passengers onboard did not travel beyond Maidstone in Kent before the flight returned due to the landing gear issue.
Aircraft Details and Emirates Fleet
The aircraft involved, an A380-800 Superjumbo, is powered by four Engine Alliance GP7000 engines, a configuration commonly used across Emirates’ A380 operations. The airline operates one of the world’s largest A380 fleets, with the aircraft forming a backbone of long-haul operations connecting Dubai to major international cities.
Emirates has reported transporting 55.6 million passengers in 2025, covering over 29,000 laps around the Earth, highlighting the scale and reliability of its operations despite occasional technical issues.
Passenger Experience and Safety Protocols
Passengers onboard EK002 were reported to have remained calm during the incident. Emirates crew followed established emergency protocols, ensuring that all passengers were informed and assisted throughout the procedure. The airline promptly arranged rebookings for all travelers, ensuring minimal disruption to their New Year travel plans.
The mid-air turnback underscores the importance of strict aviation safety measures, particularly for large aircraft like the A380, which handle complex operations across long-haul international routes.
Conclusion
The incident with Emirates flight EK002 serves as a reminder of the airline’s commitment to passenger safety, even during high-traffic periods like New Year’s Eve. While the flight’s return caused temporary inconvenience, it demonstrated the airline’s ability to respond quickly to technical issues and maintain safety standards for both passengers and crew.
