Flight EK521 was involved in "operational incident" while landing at Dubai: Emirates

All passengers and crew were evacuated safely due to the quick response of the teams at Emirates and Dubai International Airport, an official statement of Emirates claimed.

Even as the passengers escaped, a firefighter died as the Emirates flight from India's Thiruvananthapuram  to Dubai crash-landed in Dubai airport on Wednesday, with images showing thick plumes of smoke and fire from the aircraft emanating soon after it touched down.

"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," the statement said.

"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," Emirates official statement claimed.

"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. 5 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," it said.

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 on Wednesday but is in good condition.

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," the statement claimed.

Due to this incident, Dubai International Airport was closed for about six hours on Wednesday and a number of flights were cancelled, delayed or diverted. D

ubai International Airport gradually started to resume operations at approximately 1830hrs local time last night.

Emirates cancelled 27 flights on Wednesday 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," Emirates stated. 

"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," the company said.

Passengers holding tickets purchased on or before Aug 3 can rebook or cancel their bookings at no charge, the company assured.