Emirates flight from Dubai diverted after failing to land in Hong Kong

An Emirates flight from Dubai to Hong Kong was unexpectedly rerouted to Taiwan on Monday after multiple unsuccessful attempts to land, reportedly because of wind conditions.

Flight EK382, operated by Dubai’s flagship carrier, was diverted to Kaohsiung International Airport in Taiwan after it was unable to land in Hong Kong.

The crew and passengers stayed overnight in Kaohsiung and flew back to Hong Kong on the Emirates plane – a Boeing 777-31H(ER), registered A6-EPU – on Tuesday.

Flight data shows the aircraft made at least two unsuccessful landing attempts and circled over Hong Kong and surrounds before the diversion.

Weather conditions, with sustained winds of about 12 knots, could have contributed to the landing difficulties, media outlet Aviation A2Z reported, citing an aviation observer.

According to live tracker Flightradar24, radar readings showed the aircraft descended to about 375 feet – or roughly 114 metres – near Hong Kong International Airport at around 3.07pm before pulling up without landing. The aircraft climbed back to around 6,275 feet, circled the area and made a second approach.

By 3.32pm, it descended again to about 450 feet, but ultimately aborted the landing and diverted to Kaohsiung.

On social media, a passenger on the flight described the weather during the landing attempts to be “bright and sunny” with clear skies. Hong Kong Observatory records also indicate there was no rain in the region at that time.

Hong Kong International Airport is located near mountainous terrain on Lantau Island, making it prone to wind shear, especially during adverse weather conditions. When low-level wind patterns create unstable crosswinds, it can make it difficult for pilots to control the aircraft during take-off or landing.

Unverified reports circulating online also suggested a medical emergency on board may have caused the diversion.

Emirates Airline has yet to release any details of the incident. The airline did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Emirates plane was a rare sight for Taiwanese and sparked speculation over whether the airline might consider adding Kaohsiung as a destination. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST