An Emirates flight from San Francisco to Dubai experienced a significant delay on Friday, September 19, 2025. The disruption occurred after passengers on board received news of potential changes to US H-1B visa requirements, leading many to disembark the aircraft before departure.
Key Takeaways
- Emirates flight EK226 was delayed by over three hours.
- The delay was caused by passenger panic over unconfirmed H-1B visa rule changes.
- Many passengers were Indian nationals holding H-1B visas.
- Rumors suggested a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa holders returning to the US.
- The White House later clarified the fee applies only to new applicants.
Uncertainty Triggers Onboard Panic
The incident took place as Emirates flight EK226, an Airbus A380 with registration A6-EVP, was preparing for its scheduled 5:05 PM departure from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The flight was bound for Dubai and typically lasts about 15 hours.
As passengers settled into their seats, reports began circulating about a new executive order from President Trump. This order was rumored to require skilled workers to pay a substantial $100,000 fee to secure an H-1B visa.
The news spread quickly through the cabin, causing widespread concern among those on board. A significant number of passengers decided to leave the plane rather than risk facing this large payment upon their return to the United States.
H-1B Visa Facts
- The H-1B visa is for skilled workers from other countries.
- It allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
- These occupations often require a bachelor's degree or higher.
- 70% of current H-1B visas are held by Indian nationals.
The Impact on Passengers and Flight Operations
Many individuals traveling on flight EK226 were reportedly Indian nationals. These passengers reside in the US under H-1B visas. The potential financial burden of a $100,000 fee created immediate distress.
Prior to this event, some technology companies, including Microsoft, had advised H-1B visa holders to avoid international travel. They also urged those abroad to return to the US quickly due to impending policy changes. This background likely contributed to the heightened anxiety on the flight.
As the unconfirmed details of the new visa requirements circulated, passengers began to gather their belongings. Many chose to cancel their travel plans and disembark from the aircraft.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the captain speaking. Under the current circumstances, obviously, they are unprecedented for us here at Emirates. We are aware that a number of passengers do not wish to travel with us. That is perfectly fine. All we ask is that if you wish to offload yourself, you do so…"
The flight captain made an announcement to address the growing panic. The captain confirmed that passengers who wished to leave the plane could do so. This statement aimed to manage the chaotic situation unfolding in the cabin.
Understanding H-1B Visas in the Tech Sector
The area around San Francisco, known as Silicon Valley, is a major global technology hub. Many tech companies in this region rely on H-1B visas to employ skilled workers from overseas. The White House has expressed concerns that some companies may be misusing these visas to replace American employees with cheaper labor. This argument forms the basis for proposed changes to the H-1B program.
Flight Delay and Subsequent Clarification
The process of allowing numerous passengers to disembark, along with retrieving their checked luggage from the aircraft's hold, took a considerable amount of time. This extended operation caused a significant delay for the flight.
Flight EK226 eventually departed from the gate at 8:45 PM local time. This was approximately three hours and 40 minutes behind its original schedule. The remaining passengers experienced a flight duration of more than eighteen and a half hours. However, they benefited from more available space due to the reduced number of travelers.
White House Clarifies Visa Fee Application
Initial reports and rumors suggested that the $100,000 payment would apply to both new H-1B visa applicants and existing visa holders returning to the US from abroad. There were also unconfirmed reports that the fee might be an annual requirement.
The White House later dismissed these claims. Officials clarified that the $100,000 fee would apply only to new H-1B visa applicants and would be a one-time payment. This clarification aimed to reduce confusion and panic.
If this policy is implemented as clarified, it would significantly alter the H-1B entry visa process. The change would impact how companies hire foreign skilled workers in the future.
Passengers who chose to leave flight EK226 on September 19, 2025, will likely be seeking to rebook their Emirates flights. The situation regarding the H-1B visa requirements has now become clearer, potentially easing their concerns about returning to the United States.
