Emirates flight returns to London shortly after take-off due to 'technical fault'

An Emirates flight from London to Dubai was forced to return to Heathrow airport "shortly after take-off due to a technical fault".

In a statement sent to ARN News, the Dubai carrier confirmed that “Emirates flight EK002 departed London Heathrow (LHR) for Dubai on 31st December 2025 after 13:40 GMT as scheduled, but returned to LHR shortly after take-off due a technical fault".

The airline added that "passengers and crew were safely embarked" and "will be rebooked to depart on future Emirates flights from LHR".

The airline apologised for "any inconvenience caused" and said "the safety of (its) passengers and crew (remains) of utmost importance and will not be compromised".

According to Flight Radar, the plane was above its maximum landing weight, and the aircraft circled above London for over an hour to burn fuel before landing at Heathrow.