Emirates faced an unexpected disruption when its Airbus A380 had to abort takeoff at Birmingham Airport. The aircraft, bound for Dubai, stopped its departure due to a sudden medical emergency involving a distressed passenger.
The flight was preparing for takeoff at 14:00 local time when the cabin crew reported a severe medical issue. A passenger suffered an intense panic attack, prompting immediate action from the crew. The pilots swiftly halted the aircraft at a low speed of 23 knots to ensure the passenger’s safety.
After stopping, the aircraft returned to the terminal, where medical professionals assisted the affected individual. The passenger was escorted off the plane, and the flight remained grounded for approximately 45 minutes. Once cleared for departure, the Emirates A380 resumed taxiing at 14:58 and successfully took off at 15:08 local time.
Despite the delay, the flight landed in Dubai at 21:30 UTC, arriving 52 minutes later than scheduled. Emirates did not disclose any further details regarding the passenger’s condition.
The aircraft involved in this incident, an Airbus A380-842 registered as A6-EVA, has been in service for 7.4 years. This jet, powered by four Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines, is a key part of Emirates’ long-haul fleet.
Emirates has dealt with similar disruptions in the past. In June 2024, another Airbus A380 departing from São Paulo faced a serious engine issue during takeoff. The crew noticed flames and loud noises from an engine and aborted the flight at 38 knots. The airline later canceled that journey, prioritizing passenger safety.
These incidents highlight Emirates’ quick response to emergencies, ensuring passenger well-being remains a top priority.
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