Emirates Media Statement – 4th August 2016
Emirates flight EK521 was involved in an operational incident upon landing on 3rd August 2016.
• Boeing 777-300 was travelling from Trivandrum to Dubai
• All 282 passengers and 18 crew evacuated safely
Dubai, U.A.E., 4th August 2016: Emirates flight EK521 was involved in an operational incident upon landing at Dubai International Airport at approximately 12:45hrs local time yesterday, on 3rd August 2016. All passengers and crew were evacuated safely due to the quick response of the teams at Emirates and Dubai International Airport.
The aircraft, a Boeing 777-300 registration A6-EMW powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engines, was travelling from Trivandrum International Airport in Thiruvananthapuram, India to Dubai. There were 282 passengers and 18 crew on board.
Passengers were met by Emirates staff and provided with all possible assistance. Of the 282 passengers on the flight EK521, 157 disembarked in Dubai and left the airport yesterday afternoon. 107 passengers opted to continue on their journeys and remained airside where they were provided with refreshments, rest areas, and other necessities, while Emirates rebooks them on the next possible flights. 13 passengers opted to stay a few days in Dubai before continuing on their journeys and Emirates has provided them with hotel accommodation and dedicated support. Five passengers were brought to local hospitals with minor injuries, and we have dedicated a staff liaison supporting their requirements. We will continue to extend all possible care to our affected customers.
Emirates Chairman and Chief Executive, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum has met with the crew members of the flight, who are all safe and accounted for. One cabin crew member was hospitalised yesterday, but is in good condition and will be discharged from a local hospital today. Emirates has activated dedicated support for its crew community.
The Boeing aircraft was delivered to Emirates in March 2003. Both the Captain and the First Officer have over seven thousand hours of flying experience each. Emirates is fully collaborating with local authorities to determine the cause of the incident.
Flight disruptions expected for the next 36 hours
Due to this incident, Dubai International Airport was closed for about six hours on 3rd August and a number of flights were cancelled, delayed or diverted. Dubai International Airport gradually started to resume operations at approximately 1830hrs local time last night.
Emirates cancelled 27 flights yesterday, and there were delays and rescheduled flights across the network. 23 flights were diverted to alternative airports – Sharjah, Al Maktoum International (DWC), Fujairah, Al Ain, Muscat and Bahrain. In total, over 23,000 Emirates passengers were impacted by the disruption. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to our affected passengers, and ask for their continued understanding and patience as our teams work to restore operations back to normal.
Passengers holding tickets purchased on or before 3rd August 2016 can rebook or cancel their bookings at no charge. For more information on flights or rebookings, visit www.emirates.com or contact the local Emirates sales offices. Numbers can be found here: https://www.emirates.com/english/help/contact-emirates/
Passengers due to travel in the next 24 hours, please visit: http://www.emirates.com/ae/english/plan_book/flight_status/flightstatus.aspx
