An Emirates Boeing 777 is stuck in Iran since the beginning of airstrikes

On June 13, 2025, Emirates flight EK977 from Dubai arrived in Tehran at 03:48 IRST, significantly later than its scheduled arrival of 03:00. The Boeing 777-300ER landed amidst reports of explosions in the city, coinciding with Israel's military operation dubbed Operation Rising Lion. In response, Iran's civil aviation authority announced an immediate closure of its airspace, effectively halting all flights to ensure passenger safety. Consequently, the return flight EK978 was canceled, which was scheduled to leave Tehran shortly after the arrival of EK977. As of June 15, reports indicate that Israel has established air superiority over Tehran.

This situation underscores the critical need for robust air traffic management systems, especially during military escalations. The closure of airspace presents significant challenges for airlines, which must adapt rapidly to ensure safety and maintain operations in volatile regions. The cancellation of flights and the fast-moving nature of international conflicts can lead to economic strain not only on airlines but also on local economies reliant on air travel for tourism and commerce. Enhanced collaboration between nations and a transparent flow of information during crises are essential to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of air travel.