Emirates 777 Pilots Tries to Takeoff from incorrect Runway at Dublin Airport?

dailyblitz.de 5 hours ago

DUBLIN- UAE flag carrier, Emirates Airline (EK) flight from Dublin Airport (DUB) to Dubai International Airport (DXB) was delayed due to some issues onboard the Boeing 777 on July 14, 2025.

On Reddit, a social media platform, the commentators assumed that Emirates pilots tried to take off from the wrong runway at Dublin Airport. However, the Aviation A2Z team digs deeper to find out the exact cause.

Emirates Pilots Takeoff from Wrong Dublin Runway?

Well, the clear answer is NO. But then, why did they abort a takeoff and change the runway, which led to this confusion?

According to FlightRadar24 data, Emirates flight EK164 ( UAE78P or 78 Papa) pushed back from the gate at 21:20 UTC. After that, it taxied to the runway at 21:40 UTC.

Here comes a twist, the pilot was ready to take off, however, the pilot told ATC that they had issues with one passenger and they were returning to the gate.

We transcribed the conversation in a summary that happened between EK 78 Papa Pilot and Dublin EIDW ATC from LiveATC.net audio archives.

An Emirates flight (Emirates 78 Papa) reported a sick passenger and requested to taxi back. The crew was informed that the ambulance would meet them at the stand, and updates about the passenger’s condition were exchanged.
The passenger later regained consciousness, and medical advice indicated the flight could continue
The crew communicated with ground control to adjust performance numbers for departure after the medical delay and inquired about which runway would be used for departure (initially 28 right, later changed to 28 left due to cutoff time).
Ground control organized ambulance support, requesting specific details about the sick passenger, including age and whether oxygen was supplied. The Emirates crew reported that a 34-year-old passenger was being treated.
Controllers and other aircraft were informed about the ambulance’s location, and instructions were given for safe movement around emergency vehicles.
Emirates 78 Papa received various taxiing and holding instructions, including to hold short of specific taxiways and runways, to accommodate both their own situation and airport operations.

EK Pilots and Dublin ATC Conversation

Here’s the actual conversation transcript:

ATC: Did you say November 5 Emirates 78 Papa?

Emirates 78 Papa (EK Pilot): Yeah, I looks like you won’t be able to make the turn down to November 2 so the first exit point is actually down at uh November 5.

ATC: That’s it. We’ll taxi down to the runway now next to uh November 5 Emirates 78 Papa.

ATC: Emirates 78 Papa do you require uh an ambulance to meet you at stand?

EK Pilot: Affirm Emirates 78 Papa.

ATC: Roger, we’ll get that organized.

[A short period with ATC coordinating the ambulance and other airport logistics.]

ATC: Emirates 78 Papa, when you have them, just for the ambulance, if you could pass along any details relating to the passenger.

EK Pilot: Understood. That’s all right, Papa. We’re trying to ring the cabin now but they’re obviously quite busy but it’s uh I know it’s a 34 year old uh so I think they’re trying to supply oxygen.

ATC: That’s it Papa, thank you very much. Uh when you get any more just let us know but we’ll pass that along to the paramedics.

[Later, after medical resolution]

ATC: Emirates 78 Papa are you with me?

[Various instructions about taxi and holding position]

ATC: Emirates 78 Papa, if we do depart again will we be going off 28 right or 28 left?

ATC: Will likely be 28 left at this time sir but um do you have a rough estimate when you’re looking to go?

EK Pilot: Stand by.

[After further medical and operational checks]

EK Pilot: Yeah, uh so fortunately we were in contact with the medical services and they would like us to continue on the trip. So uh we need a couple of minutes just to change performance and things numbers and then we’ll be ready for departure and expecting runway 28 left.

ATC: Emirates 78 Papa, that is copied. I’ll have a re-clearance for you of a standard departure report when ready to copy.

EK Pilot: All right, stand by a second please.

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