Sir Elton John performed at Madison Square Garden in New York a few hours after his plane was forced to make an emergency landing while attempting to leave the UK. AP
Sir Elton John performed at Madison Square Garden in New York a few hours after his plane was forced to make an emergency landing while attempting to leave the UK. AP
Sir Elton John performed at Madison Square Garden in New York a few hours after his plane was forced to make an emergency landing while attempting to leave the UK. AP
Sir Elton John performed at Madison Square Garden in New York a few hours after his plane was forced to make an emergency landing while attempting to leave the UK. AP

Culture

Music

Elton John performs in New York after reported emergency landing amid UK's Storm Franklin

The singer was also recently forced to postpone two concerts in Dallas, Texas after he contracted Covid-19

David Tusing

February 23, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Firefighters from several stations around Rushmoor in Hampshire county in England rushed to Farnborough Airport on Monday after Elton John's private jet reportedly suffered a hydraulic failure and was attempting to make an emergency landing amid Storm Franklin.

Yet a day later the six-time Grammy Award-winner could be seen performing live at Madison Square Garden in New York City, as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour, which is meant to be the final tour of his career. It began in Pennsylvania in 2018, but has been beset by delays, including postponements owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

John was leaving the UK for the US when the incident occurred at an altitude of 10,000 feet, The Sun reports. According to the newspaper, the ordeal began shortly after John's £66 million ($90m) jet left the airport at 10.20am. About an hour into the trip, the aircraft suffered hydraulic failure and the pilot had to make a U-turn while approaching the coast of southern Ireland.

The pilot headed back to Farnborough and radioed air traffic control to declare an emergency landing. Ambulance crews and police were alerted at 11.19am, as firefighters raced to the scene and the runway was cleared.

But as Storm Franklin's fierce winds continued to batter parts of the UK, the pilot soon struggled to land the twin-jet Bombardier Global Express.

A Bombardier Global Express RS plane at the Middle East Business Aviation event in Dubai. Elton John was on a similar plane when his on-air ordeal began shortly after leaving Farnborough in the UK. Jeff Topping / The National
A Bombardier Global Express RS plane at the Middle East Business Aviation event in Dubai. Elton John was on a similar plane when his on-air ordeal began shortly after leaving Farnborough in the UK. Jeff Topping / The National

On Monday, Rushmoor Fire Station tweeted images of firefighter trucks as they headed to the airport.

"Multiple resources from Rushmoor and surrounding stations sent to Farnborough airfield earlier for a plane suffering hydraulic troubles. The plane ended up landing safely and all fire appliances, police and ambulance crews were stood down," it posted.

UK flights disrupted amid Storm Franklin

Millions of travellers across the UK have faced disruption to their plans after Storm Franklin hit the country. Flights have been cancelled and delayed and one train operator has issued a “do not travel” warning over the risk of flooding to tracks, while hundreds of homes have been evacuated.

The Met Office issued an amber warning for winds, which could cause a “risk to life”, in Northern Ireland until 7am on Monday, while a milder yellow wind warning covers England, Wales and south-western Scotland from noon until 1pm.

Following the on-air drama, John tweeted: "Hello New York! See you @TheGarden tonight."

On January 19, the tour's rescheduled North American leg finally began in New Orleans, Louisiana, after a two-year delay. But John was again forced to postpone two concerts in Dallas, Texas after he contracted Covid-19 on January 22.

John had also previously said he was postponing European dates on his world tour until 2023 so that he can have an operation on an injured hip. The US tour is scheduled to make stops in Houston, Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, New York and Miami.

On Tuesday night, John made it to the Madison Square Garden and performed for thousands of fans. He is set to play the famed venue again on Wednesday.

Scroll through the photo gallery below to see Elton John's style evolution over the years:

  • Elton John, in a fur coat and metallic boots with flared trousers, poses in the bar of the London Palladium, during rehearsals for the Royal Variety Performance in October 1972. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a fur coat and metallic boots with flared trousers, poses in the bar of the London Palladium, during rehearsals for the Royal Variety Performance in October 1972. Getty Images
  • Princess Margaret speaks to Elton John, wearing a white suit with a daisy on his lapel, at an event in 1974. Getty Images
    Princess Margaret speaks to Elton John, wearing a white suit with a daisy on his lapel, at an event in 1974. Getty Images
  • Elton John, wearing a sparkling Los Angeles Dodgers jersey, performs at the Dodger Stadium in 1975. Terry O’Neill / Iconic Images
    Elton John, wearing a sparkling Los Angeles Dodgers jersey, performs at the Dodger Stadium in 1975. Terry O’Neill / Iconic Images
  • Elton John, in a jacket with a striped lapel and white sunglasses, with his manager John Reid on their way to a luncheon in honour of Buddy Holly in Holland Park, London on September 8, 1976. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a jacket with a striped lapel and white sunglasses, with his manager John Reid on their way to a luncheon in honour of Buddy Holly in Holland Park, London on September 8, 1976. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a purple sports kit and a safari-style hat, poses by the pool at his villa in Saint-Tropez in the south of France in January 1982. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a purple sports kit and a safari-style hat, poses by the pool at his villa in Saint-Tropez in the south of France in January 1982. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a red patchwork suit, performs at the Hammersmith Odeon in London on December 16, 1982. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a red patchwork suit, performs at the Hammersmith Odeon in London on December 16, 1982. Getty Images
  • Elton John, wearing a white morning suit and a straw boater hat, with Renate Blauel on their wedding day at St Mark's Church in Sydney, Australia on February 14, 1984. Getty Images
    Elton John, wearing a white morning suit and a straw boater hat, with Renate Blauel on their wedding day at St Mark's Church in Sydney, Australia on February 14, 1984. Getty Images
  • Elton John, wearing red shorts, a blue jacket and red baseball cap, with Renate Blauel following their wedding on February 14, 1984. Getty Images
    Elton John, wearing red shorts, a blue jacket and red baseball cap, with Renate Blauel following their wedding on February 14, 1984. Getty Images
  • Elton John, wearing a grey pin-striped suit, attends the FA Cup Final in Wembley Stadium, London on May 19, 1984. Getty Images
    Elton John, wearing a grey pin-striped suit, attends the FA Cup Final in Wembley Stadium, London on May 19, 1984. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a black suit with sparkling detail, with David Beckham and Italian singer Zucchero Fornaciari during Versace's autumn/winter 1998-99 show in Milan on January 11, 1998. EPA
    Elton John, in a black suit with sparkling detail, with David Beckham and Italian singer Zucchero Fornaciari during Versace's autumn/winter 1998-99 show in Milan on January 11, 1998. EPA
  • Elton John, in a lilac suit, with Tony Bennett on stage at the Rainforest Foundation Benefit at Carnegie Hall in New York City on April 17, 1999. ImageDirect
    Elton John, in a lilac suit, with Tony Bennett on stage at the Rainforest Foundation Benefit at Carnegie Hall in New York City on April 17, 1999. ImageDirect
  • Elton John, wearing a black suit with sparkling detailing and a silver cross, leaves a New York City concert on July 27, 1999. Getty Images
    Elton John, wearing a black suit with sparkling detailing and a silver cross, leaves a New York City concert on July 27, 1999. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a black suit with a black sequinned animal print pattern, at the 2000 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 23, 2000. ImageDirect
    Elton John, in a black suit with a black sequinned animal print pattern, at the 2000 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 23, 2000. ImageDirect
  • Elton John, in a yellow and pink shit and shirt, performs with rapper Eminem at the 2001 Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on February 21, 2001. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a yellow and pink shit and shirt, performs with rapper Eminem at the 2001 Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on February 21, 2001. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a black suit with gold embellishment and a gold shirt, and David Furnish arrive at the Elton John post-Oscars party on March 25, 2001 at Moomba restaurant in West Hollywood. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a black suit with gold embellishment and a gold shirt, and David Furnish arrive at the Elton John post-Oscars party on March 25, 2001 at Moomba restaurant in West Hollywood. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a sparkling pinstriped suit, and David Furnish arrive at Vogue's It's Fashion charity gala in Buckinghamshire, England on June 11, 2001. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a sparkling pinstriped suit, and David Furnish arrive at Vogue's It's Fashion charity gala in Buckinghamshire, England on June 11, 2001. Getty Images
  • Elton John, wearing a black Adidas tracksuit, records his contribution to disaster relief charity single 'Tears In Heaven' at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas on April 10, 2005. Getty Images
    Elton John, wearing a black Adidas tracksuit, records his contribution to disaster relief charity single 'Tears In Heaven' at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas on April 10, 2005. Getty Images
  • David Furnish and Elton John, wearing a navy suit, arrive at the 'Billy Elliot: The Musical' premiere at the Victoria Palace Theatre, London on May 12, 2005. Getty Images
    David Furnish and Elton John, wearing a navy suit, arrive at the 'Billy Elliot: The Musical' premiere at the Victoria Palace Theatre, London on May 12, 2005. Getty Images
  • Elton John, wearing a black coat with pink, feathered pattern over a navy satin shirt and burnt orange wide-legged trousers, performs at the Live 8 London concert in Hyde Park, London on July 2, 2005. Getty Images
    Elton John, wearing a black coat with pink, feathered pattern over a navy satin shirt and burnt orange wide-legged trousers, performs at the Live 8 London concert in Hyde Park, London on July 2, 2005. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a black suit and white ruffled shirt, and Elizabeth Hurley attend a Chopard party during the 59th International Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2006. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a black suit and white ruffled shirt, and Elizabeth Hurley attend a Chopard party during the 59th International Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2006. Getty Images
  • Jon Bon Jovi and Elton John, wearing a black shirt with a pink shirt and green tie, attend the Mojo Honours List awards at Shoreditch Town Hall, London on June 5, 2006. Getty Images
    Jon Bon Jovi and Elton John, wearing a black shirt with a pink shirt and green tie, attend the Mojo Honours List awards at Shoreditch Town Hall, London on June 5, 2006. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a lilac suit and pink T-shirt, and Lyne Wyatt attend the Chanel haute couture autumn/winter 2006/07 show during Paris Fashion Week on July 6, 2006. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a lilac suit and pink T-shirt, and Lyne Wyatt attend the Chanel haute couture autumn/winter 2006/07 show during Paris Fashion Week on July 6, 2006. Getty Images
  • Elton John, wearing a suit with a crocodile and water print, performs his 'The Captain And The Kid Tour' in Sydney, Australia on November 28, 2006. Getty Images
    Elton John, wearing a suit with a crocodile and water print, performs his 'The Captain And The Kid Tour' in Sydney, Australia on November 28, 2006. Getty Images
  • The crocodile detail on the back of Elton John's suit during the Sydney performance. Getty Images
    The crocodile detail on the back of Elton John's suit during the Sydney performance. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a red suit, arrives at the Move for Aids event in Sydney, Australia on November 30, 2006. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a red suit, arrives at the Move for Aids event in Sydney, Australia on November 30, 2006. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a black jacket with a blue splash pattern and shirt, and David Furnish arrive at a Chopard event during the 60th International Cannes Film Festival on May 25, 2007. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a black jacket with a blue splash pattern and shirt, and David Furnish arrive at a Chopard event during the 60th International Cannes Film Festival on May 25, 2007. Getty Images
  • David Furnish and Elton John, in a pin-striped suit, arrive at Sir David Frost's summer party on July 5, 2007 in London. Getty Images
    David Furnish and Elton John, in a pin-striped suit, arrive at Sir David Frost's summer party on July 5, 2007 in London. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a black suit with a blue flower detail, and David Furnish attend the GQ Men of the Year Awards at the Royal Opera House, London on September 4, 2007. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a black suit with a blue flower detail, and David Furnish attend the GQ Men of the Year Awards at the Royal Opera House, London on September 4, 2007. Getty Images
  • Elton John, wearing a black jacket with red floral detail and a red shirt, performs at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi on January 22, 2008. Joseph J Capellan / ADMC
    Elton John, wearing a black jacket with red floral detail and a red shirt, performs at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi on January 22, 2008. Joseph J Capellan / ADMC
  • Elton John, in a black suit with a 'love' print, performs in Sydney, Australia on May 12, 2008. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a black suit with a 'love' print, performs in Sydney, Australia on May 12, 2008. Getty Images
  • Elton John, wearing a cream suit with blue edging, wanders through Portofino, Italy on August 12, 2008. Getty Images
    Elton John, wearing a cream suit with blue edging, wanders through Portofino, Italy on August 12, 2008. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a black suit, purple T-shirt and glittering glasses, and David Furnish attend the premiere of 'Gnomeo And Juliet' at the Odeon Leicester Square on January 30, 2011 in London, England. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a black suit, purple T-shirt and glittering glasses, and David Furnish attend the premiere of 'Gnomeo And Juliet' at the Odeon Leicester Square on January 30, 2011 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a morning suit with a yellow waistcoat, and David Furnish attend the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey, London on April 29, 2011. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a morning suit with a yellow waistcoat, and David Furnish attend the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey, London on April 29, 2011. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a pink sequinned jacket, performs during Queen Elizabeth Ii's Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace, London on June 4, 2012. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a pink sequinned jacket, performs during Queen Elizabeth Ii's Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace, London on June 4, 2012. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a purple suit, green checked shirt and metallic green shoes, and Tinie Tempah on the front row for the Richard James spring/summer 2013 show in London on June 17, 2012. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a purple suit, green checked shirt and metallic green shoes, and Tinie Tempah on the front row for the Richard James spring/summer 2013 show in London on June 17, 2012. Getty Images
  • Ed Sheeran and Elton John, in a black Adidas tracksuit, pose backstage during the 55th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California on February 9, 2013. WireImage
    Ed Sheeran and Elton John, in a black Adidas tracksuit, pose backstage during the 55th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California on February 9, 2013. WireImage
  • Elton John, in a blue suit with diamante detail, performs at 2015 Rock in Rio in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on September 20, 2015. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a blue suit with diamante detail, performs at 2015 Rock in Rio in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on September 20, 2015. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a white suit with a rose pattern, performs live at Twickenham Stoop on June 3, 2017 in London, England. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a white suit with a rose pattern, performs live at Twickenham Stoop on June 3, 2017 in London, England. Getty Images
  • David Furnish and Elton John, in a grey suit with a pink T-shirt, attend the 'Sherlock Gnomes' family gala at Cineworld Leicester Square, London on April 22, 2018. Getty Images
    David Furnish and Elton John, in a grey suit with a pink T-shirt, attend the 'Sherlock Gnomes' family gala at Cineworld Leicester Square, London on April 22, 2018. Getty Images
  • David Furnish and Elton John, wearing a morning suit with a grey waistcoat, leave St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle after the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England. Getty Images
    David Furnish and Elton John, wearing a morning suit with a grey waistcoat, leave St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle after the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England. Getty Images
  • Elton John, wearing a mint green suit, and Taron Egerton attend a 'Rocketman' photocall during the 72nd Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2019. Getty Images
    Elton John, wearing a mint green suit, and Taron Egerton attend a 'Rocketman' photocall during the 72nd Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2019. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a black suit with a rocket detailing and heart-shaped sunglasses, attends the screening of 'Rocketman' during the 72nd Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2019. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a black suit with a rocket detailing and heart-shaped sunglasses, attends the screening of 'Rocketman' during the 72nd Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2019. Getty Images
  • The 'Rocketman' detail on the back of Elton John's suit at the film's Cannes Film Festival premiere in May 2019. Getty Images
    The 'Rocketman' detail on the back of Elton John's suit at the film's Cannes Film Festival premiere in May 2019. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a navy tuxedo, attends the 'Rocketman' UK premiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on May 20, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a navy tuxedo, attends the 'Rocketman' UK premiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on May 20, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Elton John, wearing a black suit with gold initialled embellishment, attends the European premiere of 'The Lion King' at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on July 14, 2019. Getty Images
    Elton John, wearing a black suit with gold initialled embellishment, attends the European premiere of 'The Lion King' at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on July 14, 2019. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a lilac suit, and David Furnish attend the Midsummer Party to raise funds for the Elton John Aids Foundation in Antibes, France on July 24, 2019. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a lilac suit, and David Furnish attend the Midsummer Party to raise funds for the Elton John Aids Foundation in Antibes, France on July 24, 2019. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a black sequinned suit, performs at the A Day On The Green music festival in Geelong, Australia on December 7, 2019. EPA
    Elton John, in a black sequinned suit, performs at the A Day On The Green music festival in Geelong, Australia on December 7, 2019. EPA
  • Elton John, in a black and white suit with floral detail, performs at Mission Estate, New Zealand on February 6, 2020. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a black and white suit with floral detail, performs at Mission Estate, New Zealand on February 6, 2020. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a green suit, pays tribute to Billie Jean King during the Laureus World Sports Awards 2021 Virtual Award Ceremony on May 6, 2021. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a green suit, pays tribute to Billie Jean King during the Laureus World Sports Awards 2021 Virtual Award Ceremony on May 6, 2021. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a checked shirt, watches a football match between Watford and Swansea City in Watford on May 8, 2021. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a checked shirt, watches a football match between Watford and Swansea City in Watford on May 8, 2021. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a green brocade suit, performs on stage during Global Citizen Live on September 25, 2021 in Paris, France. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a green brocade suit, performs on stage during Global Citizen Live on September 25, 2021 in Paris, France. Getty Images
  • Elton John, in a dark grey suit, after being made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to Music and to Charity during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on November 10, 2021 in Windsor, England. Getty Images
    Elton John, in a dark grey suit, after being made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to Music and to Charity during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on November 10, 2021 in Windsor, England. Getty Images
  • Elton John, wearing a green Gucci tracksuit, in the 'Merry Christmas' music video, which debuted on December 3, 2021. Photo: YouTube
    Elton John, wearing a green Gucci tracksuit, in the 'Merry Christmas' music video, which debuted on December 3, 2021. Photo: YouTube
  • Elton John, in a white sequinned suit, performs his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour' at the Smoothie King Centre, New Orleans, Louisiana on January 19, 2022. AFP
    Elton John, in a white sequinned suit, performs his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour' at the Smoothie King Centre, New Orleans, Louisiana on January 19, 2022. AFP
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

if you go

The flights
Flydubai offers three daily direct flights to Sarajevo and, from June, a daily flight from Thessaloniki from Dubai. A return flight costs from Dhs1,905 including taxes.
The trip 
The Travel Scientists are the organisers of the Balkan Ride and several other rallies around the world. The 2018 running of this particular adventure will take place from August 3-11, once again starting in Sarajevo and ending a week later in Thessaloniki. If you’re driving your own vehicle, then entry start from €880 (Dhs 3,900) per person including all accommodation along the route. Contact the Travel Scientists if you wish to hire one of their vehicles. 

Updated: February 23, 2022, 6:31 AM
MusicOn StageUKUS

Most popular today