Emirates Flight Landed in Tehran, Then Airspace Closed

On June 13, 2025, escalating tensions in the Middle East, marked by missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, led to significant disruptions, including the stranding of an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER in Tehran. Emirates flight EK977, a routine 744-mile service from Dubai (DXB) to Tehran (IKA), departed Dubai at 2:27 AM and landed at 3:44 AM. Operated by a 13-year-old aircraft (A6-EGE), the flight was uneventful until Israel launched missiles at Iran, prompting Iran to issue a NOTAM closing its airspace. This forced Emirates to cancel the return flight, leaving the plane grounded in Tehran for nearly three days.Emirates, a Dubai-based carrier known for connecting the region, regularly operates in Iranian airspace and serves Tehran, despite some airlines avoiding the area due to ongoing tensions. The sudden escalation caught Emirates off guard, as no precise timeline for Israel's attack was anticipated. The crew, expecting a quick turnaround, is likely stranded in Tehran, facing an uncertain and uncomfortable situation amid closed airspace and rising tensions.Israeli and U.S. officials indicate the conflict may persist for weeks, complicating efforts to retrieve the aircraft and crew. While Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport has not been directly targeted, the situation remains precarious. Emirates is hopefully exploring options to safely evacuate the crew soon. This incident underscores the operational challenges airlines face in volatile regions and the priority of ensuring crew safety.