Water pours from plane ceiling, drenching passengers midflight in startling viral video

Wild footage shows water pouring down in streams from the ceiling of an Emirates flight as passengers attempted to cover themselves and keep dry.

The video, taken by a passenger, shows people on board using blankets to shield themselves as water continued pouring from the ceiling during the flight. 

Some passengers pulled out their phones to capture the bizarre scene as water dripped down into the cabin.

One passenger, Hsin Ying Chang of Taiwan, said water began soaking her "like a waterfall," Viral Press reported.

"Emirates can confirm that an accumulation of condensation resulted in water being observed in a part of the cabin shortly after take-off on flight EK123 from Dubai to Istanbul on 17 September 2026," the company said. 

"No further water was observed during the flight, which continued to Istanbul as scheduled.

"We apologize to the affected customers for the inconvenience caused."

Despite a later explanation, the dripping water remained a mystery during the flight.

Hsin also claimed there was no TV or other equipment where she was moved, leaving her with little to do but "sit facing the wall."

It is unclear exactly when the leak began.

The flight lasted just over four hours, records show, departing Dubai at 11:14 a.m. and landing at Istanbul Airport at 2:16 p.m. local time.

Water dripping from ceiling panels can be caused by excess condensation from an aircraft's air-conditioning system, though officials have not confirmed that was the cause of the Sept. 17 incident.

Passengers lifted their bags and stepped over the liquid as flight attendants struggled to stop the leak.