Emirates retrieves Boeing 777 stranded in Iran amid regional tensions

An unnamed Emirates official expressed concern for crew safety amid multiple attacks on Tehran: "We have seen multiple waves of attacks on the capital, and we are extremely concerned that the airport will be one of the targets. All of our energies are focused on bringing our team members to safety."

Despite many airlines avoiding Iran, Emirates and its sister airline flydubai operate eleven routes from Dubai to Iran, including daily flights to Tehran. They compete with Iranian carriers Iran Air and Mahan Air.

The only international airline flying more frequently to Tehran than Emirates is Turkish Airlines. However, Emirates offers more seats using its densely-configured B777-300ERs.

By the time Iran closed its airspace, Emirates' crew prepared for a return flight that never occurred. Instead, they were taken across Iran by bus to Azerbaijan and flown back to Dubai safely.

The abandoned aircraft at Tehran's airport avoided damage despite nearby strikes. On July 5, pilots flew it back to Dubai after a thorough inspection by engineers; it resumed service on July 7 with flights to India and the Philippines. Emirates plans to resume operations in Iran later this month with tentative flights starting July 18.