New Delhi: Flight services to Dubai from Kerala faced disruption on Monday after two Emirates aircraft were forced to return mid-journey following the sudden closure of Dubai International Airport. The Dubai airport was shut on March 16 after a “drone-related incident” sparked a fuel tank fire nearby, as Iran kept up its attacks on the Gulf countries. The closure was temporary and lasted 7 hours. However, considering that Dubai is the hub of international aviation, the closure created ripple effects for travel routes across the world.
Emirates flights forced to turn back
Airport authorities said the decision was taken after security concerns were reported at the destination airport, prompting authorities in Dubai to suspend operations temporarily. Consequently, flights that had already taken off from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram were asked to return to their departure points.
Kochi flight returns after four hours
One of the affected flights, Emirates flight EK533, departed from Cochin International Airport at around 4.30 am carrying 325 passengers. However, while the aircraft was en route to Dubai, the crew received instructions to turn back because Dubai International Airport had been closed.
The flight landed back at Kochi airport at around 8.30 am. Passengers were later disembarked and shifted to the terminal. Airport officials said another Emirates service scheduled to fly from Kochi to Dubai was cancelled for the day. Both flights have now been rescheduled for Tuesday.
Despite the disruption, services from Kochi to other Gulf destinations continued as scheduled.
Thiruvananthapuram flight also diverted
A similar situation unfolded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, where an Emirates flight heading to Dubai had to return midway. The aircraft had taken off at about 4.40 am with 353 passengers and 19 crew members on board. After flying for several hours, the crew received instructions to return due to the closure of the Dubai airport. The flight landed safely back in Thiruvananthapuram at around 8.40 am.
Passengers were later moved to the airport terminal while authorities worked on revised travel arrangements.
Air travel hit because of West Asia conflict
Officials said the disruption comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, which have already led to several flight cancellations and schedule changes across international routes. Airlines and airport authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely as security conditions in the region evolve.