An Emirates Airline Airbus A380 sustained damage to two tyres and wheels after landing at Auckland Airport, prompting New Zealand aviation authorities to classify the event as a serious incident. The aircraft completed its landing and taxi without immediate issues, and no injuries or operational disruptions were reported.
The incident occurred on November 30 when Emirates flight EK448 arrived in Auckland from Dubai following a long-haul international journey. The landing took place during rainfall, a factor now being examined as part of the ongoing investigation by New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC).
“TAIC reviews tyre damage found after Emirates A380 landing in rainfall at Auckland.”
Brief Runway Deviation Observed During Landing
According to TAIC, the Airbus A380 briefly tracked toward the edge of runway 05R shortly after touchdown before the flight crew regained the centerline. The aircraft then continued a normal rollout and taxied to the gate without further incident.
“New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission confirmed that Emirates Airline (EK) A380 operations at Auckland Airport (AKL) on 30 November showed tyre and wheel damage discovered only after the aircraft reached the gate. No injuries were reported.”
The aircraft involved was registered as A6-EUE. Investigators noted that the flight crew did not report any abnormalities during the approach, landing, or taxi phases of the operation.
Damage Found During Post-Flight Inspection
The tyre and wheel damage was discovered only after the aircraft reached the apron and underwent routine post-flight inspections by maintenance crews. The issue was not apparent during landing or taxi operations, underscoring the importance of thorough inspections following adverse weather conditions.
“The report notes that the aircraft had carried out a standard approach, and the crew did not report abnormalities during landing or taxi.”
TAIC formally classified the occurrence as a serious incident on December 12, triggering a detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the landing.
Scope of the TAIC Investigation
TAIC said it will analyze aircraft performance data, runway surface conditions, landing dynamics, and maintenance findings to determine what caused the damage. Wet-weather operations involving large widebody aircraft are expected to be a central focus of the review.
“The findings underscore the importance of detailed post flight inspections on widebody operations, especially after wet-weather landings.”
The commission’s classification signals a regulatory intent to identify any contributing factors that could affect future widebody operations at major international airports.
Aircraft Returned to Service After Repairs
Despite the seriousness of the classification, the operational impact on Emirates was limited. Engineering teams replaced the damaged tyres and wheels and conducted system checks before clearing the aircraft to return to service approximately ten hours after the event.
“No operational disruptions for the airline were reported beyond the maintenance downtime, Aviation Herald reported.”
Emirates has not indicated any changes to its Auckland operations as a result of the incident.
Similar Emirates A380 Incident in Birmingham
The Auckland event follows another recent Emirates A380 tyre-related incident in the United Kingdom. An Emirates Airbus A380 arriving from Dubai experienced a suspected tyre issue while landing at Birmingham Airport, prompting a precautionary response from emergency services.
“The aircraft involved was Emirates flight EK39, which departed Dubai (DXB) at 4:19 AM UTC and completed the 5,610-kilometre sector to Birmingham (BHX), landing at 11:28 AM UTC.”
Ground crews inspected the aircraft on the taxiway, allowing airport operations to continue without disruption. The aircraft, registered as A6-EUY, was delivered to Emirates in August 2017.
“Airport operations continued smoothly, and passenger safety was maintained throughout the response.”
Broader Safety and Operational Implications
TAIC said its final report will determine whether safety recommendations or corrective actions are required for airlines or airport operators. The agency will also assess whether runway conditions, landing forces, or component reliability played a role in the Auckland incident.
“The final report will identify any required safety actions or recommendations for operators and airports.”
While tyre damage events are uncommon, aviation experts note they highlight the complexity of operating large aircraft in challenging weather conditions. TAIC’s findings are expected to contribute to broader safety insights for international airline operations once the investigation is complete.
