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Emirates A380 Returns to Heathrow After Landing-Gear Door Fault on New Year’s Eve

The superjumbo burned fuel in a holding pattern to reduce weight for a precautionary return.

Overview

  • Flight EK002 to Dubai departed Heathrow at 2:32 pm local time and landed back at 4:28 pm.
  • Crew reported a landing‑gear door problem shortly after takeoff, with the gear remaining extended.
  • Because the jet was above its maximum landing weight, it circled southeast of London at about 10,000 feet for roughly 90 minutes to lighten fuel.
  • Passengers and crew disembarked safely at Heathrow, and Emirates will rebook travelers on later flights and apologized for the disruption.
  • Emergency services were on standby as a precaution, and the airline plans an inspection of the A380 as part of its operational recovery.