According to Varzesh3, Esteghlal’s direct flight to the UAE was delayed by an unusual incident, with the team spending nearly an hour circling before landing in Dubai. Flight-tracking images show the aircraft carrying the team completed 11 loops near Dubai before receiving clearance to land.

Esteghlal departed Tehran for the UAE at 5pm and expected to land at Dubai International Airport without delay. However, after entering UAE airspace, the aircraft was not cleared to land and entered a holding pattern.

The prolonged delay caused concern among passengers, and the possibility of the aircraft returning to Tehran was raised briefly. Initial inquiries indicate that some administrative formalities and coordination had not been completed before the flight entered the UAE, delaying final landing clearance.

During the delay, several officials from outside Esteghlal contacted Mohammad Reza Zenouzi, the owner of Tractor, who stepped in to help resolve the issue. Follow-up efforts after the call helped complete the administrative process, and the Esteghlal aircraft was eventually cleared to land.

Zenouzi’s assistance was particularly noteworthy because direct flights for Iran’s two representatives in Asian competition had become a contentious issue in recent days, prompting exchanges between officials from the two clubs. Nevertheless, when Esteghlal’s flight encountered difficulties, contact with the Tractor owner helped resolve the situation.

After completing 11 loops over the UAE, the aircraft finally landed at Dubai International Airport, and the Esteghlal squad travelled to their accommodation. The team will hold its final training session tomorrow.

Tractor Tabriz and Esteghlal Tehran will face UAE opponents in the third round of the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday and Tuesday, October 26 and 27. Tractor will play Al Ain at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain at 8pm UAE time on Monday, October 26, while Esteghlal will face Shabab Al Ahli at Rashid Stadium in Dubai at the same time on Tuesday, October 27.