Missile alert: Mumbai-Dubai Emirates flight makes rare double reverse before landing

A Mumbai-Dubai Emirates flight had to make a rare double reverse before landing after receiving a missile alert, according to reports.

The Emirates flight - EK501- was about to enter the Dubai airspace on Tuesday morning when it received a warning from the UAE Ministry of Defence that the country’s air defences were engaging ballistic missiles from Iran, according to a report by Hindustan Times.

On receiving the alert that the plane could be at risk, the pilots performed a rare manoeuvre and were spotted heading back to Mumbai. However, it then reversed its course and headed back to Dubai before receiving the hold from authorities.

A double reverse manoeuvre is described as an aerobatic move wherein the aeroplane reverses its path, before reversing again to return twice in quick succession. It is usually done to either shake off a pursuing aircraft or to force an overshoot.

Though the UAE’s air defence systems intercepted a barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles, air travel in the country resumed with limited flights.

According to reports, Indian airlines have adjusted schedules, resuming long-haul operations via alternative routes to avoid restricted areas. As many as 10 IndiGo flights also conducted relief services to transport stranded Indians, including from Jeddah.

As per data, nearly 13,000 flights have been cancelled across the GCC and Middle East countries since the military conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran broke out on February 28.