Emirates A380 Makes Emergency Return to London Heathrow After New Year’s Eve Gear Failure

LONDON, UK – A high-capacity Emirates Airbus A380-800 was forced to make a precautionary return to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on the afternoon of December 31, 2025, after encountering a technical malfunction with its landing gear system shortly after departure.

The aircraft, operating as Flight EK2 bound for Dubai International (DXB), was carrying approximately 500 passengers when the crew reported an issue involving the landing gear doors. The incident, which occurred during one of the year's busiest travel periods, was handled in accordance with standard emergency protocols, ensuring a safe conclusion to the flight.

Departure and Technical Alert

Flight EK2 departed Heathrow’s Runway 27L at approximately 14:32 UTC. According to preliminary flight tracking data and reports from The Aviation Hub, the flight crew successfully retracted the landing gear following takeoff. However, sensors indicated that one or more of the landing gear doors failed to close and lock properly.

A failure of this nature creates significant aerodynamic drag and prevents the aircraft from safely continuing its seven-hour transcontinental journey. In accordance with Emirates’ safety manual, the pilots immediately terminated the climb and notified Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the technical fault.

Holding Pattern and Weight Management

Because the aircraft had just departed for a long-haul flight, it was heavily laden with fuel and significantly above its Maximum Landing Weight (MLW). Landing an A380 while overweight can cause severe structural stress to the airframe and landing gear components.

To mitigate this, the pilots entered a holding pattern southeast of London—specifically over Kent and the Orpington area at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The superjumbo circled for approximately 90 minutes to burn off excess fuel, a process that made EK2 the most-tracked flight in the world on Flightradar24 at the time.

Safe Return and Passenger Impact

After reaching a safe landing weight, the aircraft was cleared for an approach to Runway 27R. Emergency services were positioned along the runway as a standard precaution, but the A380 touched down smoothly at 16:28 UTC, nearly two hours after its initial departure.

"Emirates flight EK002 returned to LHR shortly after take-off due to a technical fault," an Emirates spokesperson confirmed. "The aircraft landed safely, and passengers were disembarked without incident. We apologise for the inconvenience; the safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority."

The aircraft involved, registered as A6-EUF, is a nine-year-old Airbus A380 powered by Engine Alliance GP7000 engines. Following the incident, the aircraft was taken out of service for a thorough inspection by engineering teams. Affected passengers were rebooked on subsequent services and provided with hotel accommodations where necessary.

Flight Incident Summary

Aviation Safety Analysis

This incident highlights the complex nature of the A380’s landing gear, which features 22 wheels and a sophisticated hydraulic door sequence. While gear door malfunctions are relatively rare, they are categorised as "non-critical" emergencies, meaning the aircraft remains fully controllable but must return to base for maintenance. The successful fuel-burn hold and landing underscore the high level of training maintained by Emirates flight crews.