Why an Emirates Airbus A380 Was Forced to Return to London Heathrow

January 1, 2026 at 02:41 PM•3 min read

Emirates Airbus A380 flight EK002 from London Heathrow to Dubai made a precautionary return due to a landing gear door technical fault, safely landing after burning fuel.

Key Points

1Emirates flight EK002, an Airbus A380, made a precautionary return to London Heathrow on December 31, 2025, due to a landing gear door technical fault.
2The aircraft circled for approximately 90 minutes at 10,000 feet to burn off fuel and reduce its weight below the maximum landing weight for a safe touchdown.
3Around 500 passengers were safely disembarked and rebooked, with Emirates emphasizing that passenger safety was the utmost priority.

An Emirates Airbus A380 was forced to turn back to London Heathrow Airport (LHR).

The aircraft was operating flight EK002 bound for Dubai International Airport (DXB). The precautionary return occurred on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2025. The incident involved a technical issue with the aircraft’s landing gear system.

Technical Fault and Operational Response

The flight departed LHR at approximately 2:32 PM local time. Shortly after takeoff, the crew reported a technical fault. Reports indicate the issue involved a landing gear door failed to close properly.

Due to the long-haul nature of the flight, the aircraft was heavily fueled. This meant the Airbus A380 was over its maximum landing weight. Landing an overweight aircraft can cause structural damage. It also risks a runway overrun, which is a major safety concern.

Fuel Burn Procedure

The flight crew followed strict safety protocols. They entered a holding pattern over southeast London. The aircraft circled at about 10,000 feet. This holding pattern lasted for roughly 90 minutes to two hours. This time allowed the engines to burn off fuel to reach a safe landing weight.

The holding procedure was maintained at 10,000 feet.
The aircraft landed safely at LHR at 4:28 PM local time.
Emergency services were on standby as a precaution.

Passenger Impact and Airline Statement

Approximately 500 passengers were aboard the superjumbo jet. They were safely disembarked upon landing. Emirates confirmed the incident was due to a technical fault. The airline apologized for the inconvenience to its customers. They stated that the safety of our passengers and crew is paramount. All affected passengers were rebooked onto later Emirates flights from LHR.

This incident highlights the rigorous safety protocols in commercial aviation. Pilots are trained to manage such technical issues. The requirement to reduce weight before landing is a standard procedure for long-haul aircraft. This ensures the structural integrity of the airframe. The successful precautionary return demonstrates the crew's expertise.

Context on Airbus A380 Safety

The Airbus A380 has a strong overall safety record. Since its introduction in 2007, it has had no fatal accidents. However, technical issues related to landing gear have occurred before. A 2016 Emirates A380 incident led to proposed checks by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). That event involved a different issue with the gear's free-fall system wiring.

Emirates operates one of the world's largest A380 fleets. The aircraft forms the backbone of its long-haul operations. Continuous maintenance and adherence to procedures are critical for fleet reliability. The quick and safe resolution of this landing gear malfunction is a positive sign. It reinforces confidence in modern flight management systems. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.