Emirates Flight Circles Over London for Over an Hour Due to Mid-Air Issues

An Emirates Airlines flight bound for Dubai was forced into an extended holding pattern above London on New Year’s Eve after a technical fault shortly after take-off, authorities and the carrier confirmed. 

Flight EK002, operated by a four-engine Airbus A380 departing from London Heathrow Airport for Dubai International, took off around 2:32 pm local time on December 31, 2025. Shortly after becoming airborne, crew members reported a malfunction with one of the aircraft’s landing gear doors, which had not fully closed as designed. 

Because the aircraft was heavily fuelled for its long-haul journey, landing immediately posed safety concerns due to being above the maximum landing weight. To address the issue safely, the flight crew entered a holding pattern at about 10,000 ft over southeast London, where the aircraft remained in flight for roughly 90 minutes to burn off fuel and reduce weight before a safe return could be attempted. 

Spectators on the ground reported seeing the A380 — one of the world’s largest passenger jets — circling over the city with its landing gear visibly extended, drawing significant attention throughout the delay. 

Once the aircraft reached the weight limits that allowed for a safe landing profile, it was cleared to approach and touched down at Heathrow Airport at approximately 4:28 p.m. All passengers and crew were safely disembarked, Emirates confirmed. 

In a statement, the airline said safety remained its top priority and apologised for the inconvenience caused. Affected passengers are being rebooked on future Emirates services from London. 

The incident underscores the rigorous protocols airlines follow when technical issues arise mid-air — ensuring that aircraft return and land safely even if that requires time in holding patterns to manage aircraft weight.