DUBAI- An Emirates (EK) Airbus A380 flying from Dubai International Airport (DXB) was forced to abandon its planned landing at São Paulo’s Guarulhos Airport (GRU) and divert to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) after encountering severe thunderstorm conditions in the São Paulo area.
Flight EK261 resumed operations from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU). The connecting flight segment took 40 minutes of flight time.
Photo- Flightradar24Emirates A380 Failed to Land at GRU
Emirates (EK) flight EK261 departed Dubai International Airport (DXB) on Thursday, May 22, 2025, commencing a scheduled 15-hour journey to São Paulo, Brazil.
The Airbus A380-800, registered as A6-EVP, maintained normal flight operations throughout the majority of its transcontinental route.
The aircraft approached Guarulhos–Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo for its scheduled landing.
During final approach procedures, severe meteorological conditions developed over the airport vicinity. The weather system generated a thunderstorm that reduced visibility to less than 2 kilometres and established a cloud ceiling at only 800 feet.
The flight crew executed standard safety protocols when encountering adverse landing conditions.
The A380 discontinued its approach and climbed back to 25,000 feet altitude. The pilots assessed the deteriorating weather conditions and determined that safe landing procedures could not be completed at GRU Airport.
Diversion
The Emirates (EK) crew initiated diversion procedures to Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport (GIG). The aircraft reached the alternative destination within minutes of the initial diversion decision.
The A380 landed safely at GIG Airport, where passengers and crew awaited improved weather conditions at their original destination. Weather conditions at São Paulo improved after the thunderstorm system passed through the region.
Flight EK261 continued its journey from Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport to São Paulo’s Guarulhos Airport, completing the final segment in 40 minutes of flying time.
Photo: Clément AlloingOther Emirates A380 Diversion
Emirates experienced a separate A380 diversion incident on January 24, 2025, involving flight EK342. The aircraft, registered A6-EOU, departed Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 11:27 AM GST, operating 47 minutes behind its scheduled 10:40 AM GST departure time.
The flight carried passengers destined for Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) in Malaysia. The Airbus A380-800 maintained normal flight operations for approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes after departure.
The aircraft traversed Indian airspace over the state of Andhra Pradesh when the cabin crew identified a medical emergency requiring immediate ground-based medical attention.
Bangalore Airport; Photo- ACIEmergency Declaration
The flight crew declared a medical emergency and contacted air traffic control authorities. The pilots executed a sudden right turn to redirect the aircraft toward the nearest suitable airport.
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) provided the closest medical facilities capable of handling the emergency.
The crew initiated descent procedures toward Bengaluru while coordinating with airport emergency services. The aircraft approached BLR Airport and landed safely at 4:22 PM IST.
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Emirates A380 Makes Emergency landing at Bengaluru Airport
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