The Emirates flight from Manchester to Dubai was forced to turn back after the airstrikes were launched during the journey

09:32, 13 Jun 2025Updated 09:39, 13 Jun 2025

(Image: FlightRadar24)

Emirates have issued a statement after a flight from Manchester was rerouted mid-air following Israeli airstrikes in Iran.

The Dubai-bound Emirates flight UAE20 left Manchester at 9:22pm on Thursday evening (June 12) and appeared to begin its usual route, according to data on FlightRadar24.

However, flight route data shows the plane making a dramatic turnaround just before the Iranian border with Turkey before finally diverting to Istanbul.

The M.E.N. understands the airstrikes took place while the flight was en-route, and it was forced to divert as it did not have enough fuel to be held in a holding pattern in the event of any restrictions.

It comes after tensions have escalated in the Middle East overnight as Israel launched strikes on Tehran early on Friday. The strikes, which were targeting the country’s nuclear programme, have stoked fears of a full-scale conflict.

In a statement, an Emirates spokesperson confirmed flights had been cancelled and rerouted due to ‘recent airspace closures’.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and are making all efforts to ensure minimal disruption to customers, while assisting impacted passengers,” they said.

“Emirates advises customers departing or arriving at Dubai International Airport to check their flight status on emirates.com for the latest information regarding their flights.”

The attack, which took place in the early hours of Friday morning, appeared to be the most significant Iran has faced since its war with Iraq in the 1980s.

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Sir Keir Starmer said the Government urged “all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently” after the strikes, adding that “now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy”.

He said: “The reports of these strikes are concerning and we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no-one in the region.

“Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy.”

Manchester Airport said they are not expecting any further disruption to flights.