On September 19, 2025, Emirates flight EK226 from San Francisco to India experienced a three-hour delay as several Indian passengers disembarked just before takeoff. The sudden decision followed U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a $100,000 application fee for new H-1B visa petitions, effective immediately. The policy change caused widespread panic among Indian tech professionals, who constitute about 70% of H-1B visa holders.

Videos from inside the aircraft showed passengers standing in aisles, anxiously checking their phones, and some leaving the plane. The captain addressed the situation over the intercom, acknowledging the unprecedented circumstances and allowing passengers to disembark if they wished. Many passengers were reportedly contacted by their employers, urging them to return to the U.S. before the policy took effect.

The White House later clarified that the $100,000 fee applies only to new H-1B applicants and is a one-time charge, not an annual fee. However, the initial announcement had already caused significant confusion and distress among the affected individuals.