The Emirates A380 flight from Manchester to Dubai was forced to turn back mid-flight in the early hours after a drone struck a fuel tank near Dubai Airport causing it to close
An Emirates aircraft that departed from Manchester Airport bound for Dubai was forced to return to Manchester mid-journey. Travellers aboard the Emirates A380 service to Dubai on Sunday (March 15) found themselves back in Manchester earlier than anticipated when the plane was compelled to reverse course during the flight.
Following the EK20 flight’s scheduled 8:40pm departure, passengers finally took off at 9:20pm for what should have been an overnight journey to Dubai.
Nevertheless, FlightStats data reveals the aircraft was rerouted back to Manchester during the early morning hours whilst passengers were still airborne. It seems that after passing over Cairo, Egypt, the plane received notification that Dubai Airport (DXB) had closed and was refusing all incoming aircraft, reports the Manchester Evening News.
It’s been verified that a drone attack close to the runway prompted this choice, with the crew deciding to head back to Manchester where they touched down at approximately 7am.
Dubai officials closed the airport earlier, with services suspended following a drone hitting a fuel tank and igniting a blaze. Emirates advised passengers to stay away from Dubai International Airport on Monday morning as flights were disrupted by the incident.
Though the fire was effectively extinguished with no casualties reported, local aviation authorities suspended operations as a safety measure. Numerous Emirates flights already airborne were rerouted, whilst others awaiting departure were scrapped.
Five flights from UK airports, including Manchester, turned back to their departure points. All seven Emirates services from Dubai to London Heathrow on Monday were axed.
On Monday (March 16), Dubai Airports posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) to provide a flight update.
They wrote: “Flights to and from DXB are gradually resuming to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure. Please check with your airlines for the latest updates regarding your flights.”
Dubai Media Office stated: “Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the gradual resumption of some flights to and from Dubai International Airport to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure.
“Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.”