Emirates Archives - Aviation Today

Berlin, Germany: Emirates President Sir Tim Clark has declared that the Dubai-based carrier will rebound "hard and fast" from the aviation disruption caused by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, while warning European airlines against assuming the current challenges facing Gulf carriers will provide a lasting competitive advantage. In Berlin ahead of the Berlin Air Show, Clark said Emirates remains committed to maintaining capacity despite the operational and financial pressures created by regional airspace closures and geopolitical instability. "My message to all of them, be careful what you wish for, we will be back very hard and fast," Clark said, referring to European airlines that have benefited from reduced competition as Middle Eastern carriers were forced to scale back some operations. The conflict, which has affected airspace across parts of the Middle East since late February, has disrupted operations for major Gulf carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways. The restrictions created opportunities for several European airlines to increase capacity on routes to Asia and other long-haul markets. Despite the challenges, Clark stressed that Emirates has no plans to reduce services. "We have no intention of cutting back, reducing, or anything else," he said. According to Clark, the airline will continue routing passengers through Dubai to destinations including India and Australia while implementing additional operational safeguards such as carrying extra fuel on affected routes. The Emirates chief also warned that prolonged instability could have severe consequences for weaker airlines, particularly low-cost carriers operating with thinner margins. "If this crisis goes on for too long, there will be some casualties, likely in the budget airline sector first," Clark said. Clark's comments echoed concerns raised by International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General Willie Walsh, who recently warned that rising fuel costs, airspace restrictions and operational disruptions could accelerate consolidation within the airline industry. Beyond the regional crisis, Clark renewed Emirates' long-running campaign for access to Berlin, arguing that the airline has contributed significantly to the German economy through aircraft purchases and supplier relationships. "We have brought enormous economic wealth to Germany just by virtue of what we've bought," Clark said. "We have very compelling reasons to be allowed to go to Berlin." Emirates has secured airport slots in Berlin but has yet to receive the regulatory approvals required to launch services. Clark said the airline continues to see strong demand for the German capital and has been lobbying successive governments for access since the 1990s. The Emirates president also pushed back against criticism from Lufthansa regarding the competitive position of Gulf carriers. "It is a listed company, and it needs to fight its own corner without going to the government and hiding behind its skirts," Clark said in response to claims that Gulf airlines enjoy unfair advantages. Fleet planning was another major topic during the briefing. Clark reiterated Emirates' concerns regarding the performance of Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines powering the Airbus A350-1000, saying the airline remains unconvinced that the aircraft currently meets its operational requirements in Gulf conditions. "I don't think we are in a position to take the A350-1000 until we've seen whatever engine improvements they make," Clark said. He added that the aircraft performs well in temperate climates but faces greater challenges in the Gulf environment, where high temperatures, dust and demanding operating conditions place additional stress on engines. While Emirates has expanded its fleet with Airbus A350-900 aircraft and remains heavily reliant on its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 fleets, Clark indicated that a future replacement for the A380 could eventually reopen discussions regarding the larger A350-1000 once engine durability concerns are resolved. Clark also expressed confidence in Boeing's progress on the long-delayed 777X programme, stating that Emirates expects to receive its first aircraft in 2027 after years of delays. Addressing speculation about succession plans, the 76-year-old executive said he has no immediate intention of retiring and remains focused on guiding the airline through the current period of uncertainty. "We have a team of people working in Emirates, some of them are lifers like me, who live and breathe the carrier," Clark said. "So if I was to step out personally, I would be quite confident that the people left in place to run the business are so well attuned to the criticality of the message that it would not be affected by my absence." Clark's remarks come as airlines worldwide grapple with higher fuel costs, airspace restrictions and ongoing aircraft delivery delays, with industry leaders closely watching how quickly Gulf carriers can restore normal operations once regional conditions stabilize.

Emirates’ President Says European Airlines Shouldn’t Bet On Gulf Carrier Weakness

Aviation Today News Desk / June 10, 2026

Berlin, Germany: Emirates President Sir Tim Clark has declared that the Dubai-based carrier will rebound “hard and fast” from the […]

Emirates

Emirates Launches Construction Of $5.1 Billion Mega Aircraft Engineering Hub In Dubai

Aviation Today News Desk / May 22, 2026

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai-based carrier Emirates has officially launched construction of a massive US$5.1 billion engineering and maintenance complex

Airlines

Qatar Airways Named World’s Best Airline For 2026 As Asia, Middle East Dominate

Aviation Today News Desk / March 19, 2026

Global aviation benchmarking platform AirlineRatings.com has released its “World’s Best Airlines for 2026” report, naming Qatar Airways as the world’s

Airports

Drone Strike Near Dubai Airport Triggers Fire & Flight Suspensions Amid Gulf Crisis

Aviation Today News Desk / March 17, 2026

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: An Iranian drone strike near Dubai International Airport triggered a major fuel tank fire on March

Cabin Crew

Etihad And Emirates Launch Global Cabin Crew Hiring Drive In March 2026

Aviation Today News Desk / March 1, 2026

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi’s two leading carriers, Etihad Airways and Emirates have intensified their cabin crew talent

Europe: Emirates has scheduled a series of pilot recruitment roadshows this February across key European markets, offering experienced commercial pilots direct access to its recruitment team and detailed insights into career opportunities within one of the world’s largest international airlines. Emirates’ official pilot careers calendar lists multiple events across the United Kingdom, Belgium and the Netherlands this month, underscoring the airline’s ongoing global talent acquisition drive. According to Emirates’ official Pilot Roadshows schedule published on its careers portal, the roadshows are set to take place as follows: United Kingdom (February 2026) Emirates is hosting roadshows in four major cities during February: Manchester – 9 February at 10:00 and 13:00 Manchester – 10 February at 10:00 Belfast – 11 February at 11:00 and 12 February at 10:00 London Heathrow – 14 February at 10:00 and 13:00; 15 February at 10:00 London Gatwick – 16 February at 10:00 and 13:00; 17 February at 10:00 These sessions are aimed at experienced commercial pilots based in or near the UK. Attendees will receive briefings on career progression, training standards, lifestyle in Dubai and Emirates’ compensation structure. Belgium and Netherlands (23–24 February 2026) Brussels, Belgium – 23 February at 10:00 and 13:00; 24 February at 10:00 Amsterdam, The Netherlands – 23 February at 10:00 and 13:00; 24 February at 10:00 The Brussels and Amsterdam roadshows target experienced pilots from across mainland Europe. Emirates’ recruitment team will outline eligibility requirements, career pathways, training programmes and lifestyle benefits associated with relocating to Dubai. Emirates’ careers page notes that these sessions are part of a broader global engagement initiative designed to inform prospective applicants about the airline’s pilot recruitment process, role eligibility criteria and career pathways, and to provide a platform for direct interaction with recruitment specialists. Pre-registration is available through the official Emirates Pilot Careers site. Emirates has been actively expanding its pilot workforce to support long-term fleet growth and global network expansion. Last year in 2025, in an official statement on World Pilots’ Day, the airline reaffirmed its commitment to hiring more than 1,500 new pilots over the next two years as part of a wider strategic recruitment push. This hiring effort is positioned alongside Emirates’ commitment to enhancing crew career progression through programmes such as Direct Entry Captain, Accelerated Command and First Officer roles. The carrier’s recruitment efforts also reflect continued strong operational performance and fleet development, including the integration of next-generation wide-body aircraft into service. These developments underline Emirates’ focus on both commercial growth and talent acquisition in a competitive global aviation environment.

Pilots

Emirates Launches Pilot Hiring Roadshows Across UK, Belgium And Netherlands In February

Aviation Today News Desk / February 8, 2026

Europe: Emirates has scheduled a series of pilot recruitment roadshows this February across key European markets, offering experienced commercial pilots

Hong Kong, China: A power bank carried by a passenger aboard an Asiana Airlines flight from Seoul to Hong Kong overheated and caught fire mid-air on Thursday night, injuring one passenger and emphasizing ongoing aviation safety concerns related to lithium-battery devices. The incident occurred on Flight OZ745, an Airbus A330-214 operating from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) with 284 passengers on board. Around two hours into the flight, a portable battery charger (power bank) carried in the cabin ignited, producing smoke and flames near the economy class seating area. Cabin crew responded within minutes, extinguishing the fire with onboard fire extinguishers. The device’s owner sustained a minor hand burn during the incident, while no other passengers or crew were seriously injured. Despite the onboard fire, the aircraft continued its scheduled flight and landed safely in Hong Kong at approximately 10:52 pm, just minutes behind schedule. Authorities in Hong Kong, including the Airport Authority and local police, were not required to intervene after landing. Eyewitness accounts posted on social media described a brief moment of panic among passengers before the crew contained the situation. “For a moment, I thought I was going to die,” one passenger wrote, highlighting the anxiety such incidents can provoke even when managed effectively. Asiana Airlines confirmed the matter was handled according to established safety procedures and that aviation regulators will be notified as part of standard post-incident processes. In a similar incident on 20 March 2025, Hong Kong Airlines Flight HX115, an Airbus A320 flying from Hangzhou to Hong Kong, was forced to make an emergency diversion to Fuzhou Changle International Airport after a fire broke out in an overhead luggage compartment. The blaze, believed to have been caused by a portable power bank, was extinguished onboard by crew and passengers, and all 168 people on board disembarked safely with no injuries reported. In response to rising incidents involving lithium‑ion batteries, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has updated safety regulations to prohibit charging power banks during flights and mandate that such devices be carried only in hand luggage, not checked baggage. Domestic carriers like IndiGo have further restricted storage, requiring passengers to keep power banks within reach and not in overhead bins. South Korea bans storing power banks and e-cigarettes in overhead bins and requires insulated handling, while Hong Kong and mainland China restrict uncertified batteries. Airline-level measures include Singapore Airlines and Scoot banning in-flight charging from April 2025, Thai Airways, AirAsia, EVA Air, and China Airlines restricting in-flight use. Emirates has banned the use of power banks onboard since 1 October 2025, allowing only one device under 100 Wh in cabin baggage, stored under the seat or in the seat pocket, and strictly forbidding charging or use during flight. Current rules at a glance: allowed with conditions carry power banks under specified watt-hour limits (typically 100 Wh) with clear labeling; prohibited placing in checked luggage, charging in-flight, or storing in overhead bins.

Incidents

Power Bank Ignites Mid-Air On Asiana Airlines Flight, 1 Passenger Sustains Minor Burns

Aviation Today News Desk / January 10, 2026

Hong Kong, China: A power bank carried by a passenger aboard an Asiana Airlines flight from Seoul to Hong Kong

London, United Kingdom: An Emirates Airbus A380 operating on the busy London–Dubai route made a precautionary return to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on the afternoon of December 31, 2025, after the flight crew detected a technical issue with the aircraft’s landing gear system shortly after take‑off. Emirates Flight EK002, scheduled to depart Heathrow for Dubai International Airport (DXB), lifted off from Runway 27L at approximately 14:30 GMT but was forced into a holding pattern above southeast London after a sensor indicated a malfunction in the landing gear doors, which did not fully close as designed. As the long‑haul aircraft such as the A380 are heavily fuelled at departure, the aircraft was above its maximum landing weight. Aviation protocols require weight reduction before a safe return can be attempted. Rather than immediately landing overweight, the flight crew elected to circle at around 10,000 ft, allowing fuel to burn off over a period of approximately 90 minutes before approaching Heathrow for landing. Observers on the ground reported seeing the superjumbo in a holding pattern over areas such as Orpington and Kent, drawing attention during one of the year’s busiest travel periods. Once within safe landing weight limits, the A380 touched down at London Heathrow’s Runway 27R at 16:28 GMT without incident. Emergency services were positioned as a standard precaution, though there were no injuries and normal evacuation procedures were followed. In a statement, Emirates confirmed that “Flight EK002 departed London Heathrow for Dubai, but returned shortly after take‑off due to a technical fault.” The airline said passengers and crew were safely disembarked and that those affected would be rebooked on subsequent services. Emirates apologised for the disruption and emphasised that the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority. The aircraft involved is an Airbus A380‑800 with the registration A6‑EUF, part of Emirates’ flagship fleet and one of the largest commercial passenger aircraft in service. The A380 is widely used on high‑demand intercontinental routes, carrying up to 500 passengers per flight. Flight tracking platforms indicated the aircraft remained airborne for over an hour as it managed fuel and prepared for a controlled return, a common procedure under such technical circumstances. Given the timing on New Year’s Eve, the incident caused travel disruption during a peak period for global air travel.

Incidents

Emirates London–Dubai A380 Makes Returns To Heathrow After Landing Gear Sensor Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / January 2, 2026

London, United Kingdom: An Emirates Airbus A380 operating on the busy London–Dubai route made a precautionary return to London Heathrow

Manchester, United Kingdom: An Emirates Airbus A380 was grounded at Manchester Airport after a fuel truck struck the aircraft during ground operations, forcing the airline to cancel its scheduled return service to Dubai. The aircraft resumed operations after undergoing inspections and repairs, according to multiple aviation industry reports. The incident occurred on 28 November 2025, shortly after the superjumbo had arrived from Dubai operating flight EK17. While parked at the gate during turnaround preparations for its return flight EK18, a fuel truck made contact with one of the aircraft’s Rolls-Royce Trent engines, damaging the engine intake cowling. Initial reports confirmed that the aircraft, registered A6-EVP, sustained visible structural damage to the engine intake area. Despite the impact, no injuries were reported, and airport emergency protocols were not triggered. Due to the damage, Emirates cancelled flight EK18, leaving the aircraft grounded at Manchester for detailed technical inspection. Engineers assessed the aircraft on site to determine whether the damage extended beyond the intake structure. According to follow-up reports, Emirates completed essential repairs within two days. The A380 returned to active service on 30 November 2025, operating as flight EK20 from Manchester to Dubai, restoring normal wide-body operations on the route. Industry analysts noted that while the damage was limited, even minor engine intake deformation on an A380 requires immediate grounding due to strict safety regulations governing wide-body aircraft and high-bypass turbofans. As of the latest update, neither Emirates nor Manchester Airport has released an official statement confirming the root cause of the collision, and no public details have emerged regarding whether the fuel truck driver or ground-handling agency faced disciplinary action.

Incidents

Fuel Truck Hits Emirates A380 At Manchester Airport, UK To Dubai Flight Cancelled

Aviation Today News Desk / December 2, 2025

Manchester, United Kingdom: An Emirates Airbus A380 was grounded at Manchester Airport after a fuel truck struck the aircraft during

Airports

Emirates Debuts Facial Recognition Travel System At DXB Offering Seamless Travel

Aviation Today News Desk / November 22, 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Emirates Airlines has unveiled a state-of-the-art biometric system at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3, marking a

Emirates

Emirates’ President Says European Airlines Shouldn’t Bet On Gulf Carrier Weakness

Emirates Launches Construction Of $5.1 Billion Mega Aircraft Engineering Hub In Dubai

Qatar Airways Named World’s Best Airline For 2026 As Asia, Middle East Dominate

Drone Strike Near Dubai Airport Triggers Fire & Flight Suspensions Amid Gulf Crisis

Etihad And Emirates Launch Global Cabin Crew Hiring Drive In March 2026

Emirates Launches Pilot Hiring Roadshows Across UK, Belgium And Netherlands In February

Power Bank Ignites Mid-Air On Asiana Airlines Flight, 1 Passenger Sustains Minor Burns

Emirates London–Dubai A380 Makes Returns To Heathrow After Landing Gear Sensor Issue

Fuel Truck Hits Emirates A380 At Manchester Airport, UK To Dubai Flight Cancelled

Emirates Debuts Facial Recognition Travel System At DXB Offering Seamless Travel

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