A scheduled Emirates flight from Chennai International Airport to Dubai experienced a significant delay on Tuesday night after smoke was spotted billowing from the aircraft during refueling. The incident, caught on video by airport ground staff, showed plumes of white smoke emerging from the tail section of the plane, sparking immediate concern.
The smoke was first noticed around 9:40 PM as the plane, Emirates flight EK547, was being prepared for its journey to Dubai. The ground crew swiftly alerted the pilots, who responded by shutting down the aircraft’s engines as a precautionary measure. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene to ensure the situation was under control, and technical teams arrived to investigate the cause of the smoke.
While an official statement regarding the cause of the smoke is still awaited, initial speculations suggest that it may have been linked to excess fuel heat buildup during the refueling process. An Emirates spokesperson confirmed the flight delay, attributing it to a “technical fault.”
For the safety of the passengers, the 320 individuals onboard the flight were temporarily moved to the airport’s waiting area while the aircraft underwent a thorough inspection. Following the inspection, 280 passengers were able to board the flight after it was cleared for departure. The remaining passengers were rebooked on subsequent flights.
The swift and coordinated response by the airport authorities and Emirates’ team prevented a potential hazard, and the flight eventually took off after all necessary safety checks were completed. While investigations are ongoing, Emirates has reassured its customers that safety remains their paramount priority.
