The Emirates flight EK640 scheduled from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) returned to DXB on August 15, 2021, due to the closure of the runway and suspension of commercial flights in Afghanistan.

As per Flightradar24, the Boeing 777, registered A6-EPT, departed from DXB at 11:05 local time and was planned to reach KBL at 14:30 local time. 

But as it was approaching its destination airport, the aircraft entered a holding pattern at 28,000 feet before deciding to turn back. The plane finally touched down at DXB at 16:40 local time. 

“We are monitoring developments around the situation in Afghanistan and are working closely with all the relevant authorities to ensure the safe operation of our services,” said an Emirates representative to Reuters in a statement. 

Reportedly, all commercial flight services to KBL are suspended as military evacuations are being conducted from Kabul. Earlier the same day, the President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani fled the country as the Taliban entered the capital city.