Originally Posted by SEPfield

Another thing to consider for those unfamiliar with Emirates operations.

This was a turn around flight that was scheduled to leave DXB at 0250, which means a pick up time from home at 0035. I haven't seen the flight plan but I can almost guarantee the flights were scheduled for more than 8hrs of block time in a 10+hour FDP. This operation wouldn't be legal under FAR117 and most likely wasn't legal under GCAA regulations. This is where Emirates applies their special "variations" which essentially allows them to "legally" extend you before the trip even begins. Emirates flies many of these types of flights.

I'll be interested to learn what the rosters looked like for the pilots invoked, since many pilots are being scheduled for 100+ block hours and only 8-9 days off each month.

Major Kudos for all the crew in conducting a successful evacuation after such a grueling operation!