Emirates Airlines executed a breathtaking low-altitude flypast (500 feet) over Yas Marina Circuit, giving a spectacular and powerful start to the Emirates Airline Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025. This aerial display is an inspiring visual tradition on race day and has become the iconic moment that precedes the official launch of the final race of the region’s biggest sports and entertainment weekend.
The giant Airbus “Super Jumbo” aircraft was accompanied by the Emirates Falcons aerobatic team, drawing trails of smoke in red, green, and black—honoring the colors of the UAE flag.
The aerial performance was led by Emirates’ elite pilots: Captain Adel Al Zubaidi (Flight Commander), Captain Azizaan Bin Othman, Captain Harris Kenigos, and Captain Abdullah Al Afifi. The Airbus A380 crew executed the flypast with precise timing at sunset, perfectly transitioning Yas Marina Circuit from the natural glow of the sunset to the brilliant floodlights.
Captain Adel Al Zubaidi commented:
“Yas Marina Circuit looks truly amazing from above, and we know tens of thousands of people are watching this moment. It is a great honor to fly directly over the track right after the national anthem, a moment that truly embodies the pride of representing the UAE to the world. It is an extraordinary feeling.”
This marks Captain Al Zubaidi’s eighth participation in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix aerial display. He also led the first-ever aerial performance in the race’s history in 2009, piloting an Emirates A340 and inaugurating this annual tradition.
Eric Di, Chief Commercial & Revenue Officer at Emirates Airlines, added:
“The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is one of the most exciting times in Abu Dhabi, attracting thousands of international visitors from around the globe. Flying over Yas Marina Circuit is a tradition Emirates started with the first Abu Dhabi GP in 2009, and we are honored to see the Emirates emblem soar above this amazing track, alongside the professional Emirates Falcons.”
As the title sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Emirates Airlines facilitated access for thousands of fans from around 90 destinations worldwide. Members of the “Emirates Guest” program enjoyed exclusive hospitality at the Hilltop Lounge overlooking the circuit. The Formula 1 village featured an Emirates interactive zone with chef demonstrations, children’s entertainment activities, and racing simulator experiences enjoyed by all visitors of the Grand Prix.
